Rhetoric

1. The Centrality of Rhetoric

  • Rhetoric is presented as the central concept of the class and a fundamental aspect of human existence.

  • Significance: Persuasive communication (rhetoric) drives human decisions, shapes society, and determines what exists in our world (e.g., building a bridge).

2. Theory and Praxis (Practice)

  • Dialectic: Rhetoric operates on the dialectic of theory (thinking about things) and praxis (doing things).

  • Both/And Attitude: Unlike an "either/or" approach, rhetoric asserts that both theoretical understanding and practical application are essential for persuasion to be effective and understood within society.

3. Definitions of Rhetoric by Philosophers
3.1 Francis Bacon (15th-16th Century English Philosopher)

  • Definition: "The duty and office of rhetoric is to apply reason to imagination for the better moving of the will."

  • Key Elements:

    • Duty and Office: Implies purpose and meaning.

    • Apply Reason to Imagination: Combines creativity/imagination (e.g., writing a speech) with logic/reason to make sense.

    • Better Moving of the Will: The ultimate goal is to persuade people and influence their understanding of the world.

3.2 Kenneth Burke (American Philosopher)

  • Formal Definition: "The use of language as a symbolic means of inducing cooperation in beings that by nature respond to symbols."

    • Language as Symbols: Refers primarily to words, but also images.

    • Inducing Cooperation: Making people act or think as desired.

    • Symbol-Using Animals: Humans naturally interact with and respond to symbols.

  • Rhetoric and Meaning: "Wherever there is persuasion, there is rhetoric, and wherever there's rhetoric, there is meaning."

    • Meaning Generation: Rhetoric creates a sense of purpose and significance in human life, helping people understand what is important.

    • Example: Political speeches not only seek votes but also assign meaning to issues like taxes (e.g., beneficial for society vs. invasion of liberty).

3.3 Stuart Hall (British Philosopher)

  • Rhetoric as Representation: Rhetoric is "an attempt to represent the world," often reflecting how the speaker or society perceives it.

  • Meaning from Representation: "Meaning is constituted by representation," reinforcing Burke's idea of symbols creating meaning.

  • Contested Meaning: "Representation is by what is present, by what is absent, and by what is different. Thus, meaning can be contested."

    • Dynamic Process: Rhetoric is not a one-time act; meaning is constantly re-contested (e.g., changes in political administrations from one party to another).

4. Application: Feminist Rhetoric

  • Karlyn Kohrs Campbell: A renowned feminist rhetorician.

  • Definition: Feminist rhetoric combines theory and praxis.

    • Theory (Radical Analysis of Patriarchy): Draws premises from analyzing patriarchy, identifying the "man-made world as one built on the oppression of women." Examines how rhetoric creates and sustains male-centered society.

    • Praxis (Consciousness Raising): Incorporates communication styles like speeches, marches, and documentaries to raise awareness and persuade society.