Myth of Rhetorical Situation

The Myth of the Rhetorical Situation

Introduction

  • Authors: Richard E. Vatz

  • Published in: Philosophy & Rhetoric, Vol. 6, No. 3 (Summer 1973)

  • Overview: Discussions on rhetoric and the nature of the rhetorical situation.

Key Concepts

Bitzer's Perspective

  • Rhetorical Situation: Defined by Lloyd Bitzer; the idea that rhetoric arises from a situation.

  • Example Statements:

    • “That is a dangerous situation” implies threats.

    • “I find myself in an embarrassing situation” implies personal perception of the situation.

  • Critique of Bitzer: Vatz argues that such statements merely reflect the speaker's perspective rather than the intrinsic qualities of the situation.

Nature of Meaning

  • Intrinsic Meaning: Bitzer posits that meaning resides within events, and is independent of the observer.

    • Referenced by sociologist Herbert Blumer, indicating that meaning is a natural part of what things are.

  • Vatz’s Counterargument: Meaning is not intrinsic; it is shaped by perception and rhetorical choices.

    • Situations do not have an objective meaning without a rhetorical interpretation.

Bitzer's Components of Rhetorical Situation

  • Three Constituents: Exigence, audience, and constraints.

  • Exigence:

    • Defined as an imperfection marked by urgency, calling for a response.

    • Raises ethical implications about what should be done about a situation.

Vatz's Position

Myth of Intrinsic Meaning

  • Vatz argues:

    • Facts are not publicly observable without interpretation; they are communicated through choices made by rhetors.

    • The world is filled with competing events; the selection of which to highlight is subjective and rhetorical.

  • Creation of Meaning: Events attain significance through language and presentation, resulting in the construction of meaning rather than mere reflection.

Psychological and Political Implications

  • Emphasizes the role of language in shaping political beliefs and public perceptions.

  • Suggests meaningful discourse is a conscious choice linked to ethical responsibilities of rhetors.

Ethical Responsibility in Rhetoric

  • When rhetoric shapes beliefs and perceptions, it increases the responsibility of the speaker or writer.

    • Example: The emphasis on individual crimes over structural issues reflects rhetorical choices rather than inherent importance.

Relationship Between Rhetoric and Situations

  • Vatz’s Conclusion: Rhetoric does not simply react to situations; it helps create them.

    • Important historical examples illustrate how rhetorical choices shape perceptions of events, stating:

      • The creation of salience around events is central to discourse.

Conclusion

  • Language and rhetoric are fundamentally creative forces in the construction of situations and meanings.

  • Rhetoric as an art of creating salience implies a significant ethical obligation on the part of rhetors to responsibly select and communicate information.