...The term rhetoric has a negative connotation in our culture today. Often after a commentator or politician gives an interview in the media, he will be criticized for using rhetoric, meaning that he has distorted the truth in order to persuade people to his side of an issue. Because of this definition of rhetoric, some may question whether this style of writing should be taught in an academic writing course. On further investigation however, the term rhetoric is confused with the term sophistry which actually does mean “persuasion aimed only at the appearance of truth” (Crider 4). Rhetoric, on the other hand, is a valuable and worthy art of truthful persuasion that uses contexts and strategies to convince others to agree with the author’s...
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...Moore−Parker: Critical Thinking, Ninth Edition 5. Persuasion Through Rhetoric: Common Devices and Techniques Text © The McGraw−Hill Companies, 2009 Chapter Persuasion Through Rhetoric 5 It’s just the way things are: Images and impressions tend to sell more products than good arguments do. At least some of the images are fun. Common Devices and Techniques W hen the military uses the phrase “self-injurious behavior incidents” regarding detainees at Guantánamo Bay, it means what most of us call “attempted suicides.” In fact, when the word “detainees” is used, it means what most of us call “prisoners.” “Waterboarding” sounds at first like something you’d expect to see young people doing on a California beach, not a torture technique that involves forced simulated drowning. Less remarkable, perhaps, but possibly more relevant for most of us, we’ve heard the term “downsized” used when someone is fired or laid off. “Ethnic cleansing” covers everything from deportation to genocide. What we have to say may be important, but the words we choose to say it with can be equally important. The examples just given are cases of a certain type of linguistic coercion—an attempt to get us to adopt a particular attitude toward a subject that, if described differently, would seem less attractive to us. Words have tremendous persuasive power, or what we have called their rhetorical force or emotive meaning—their power to express and elicit images, feelings, and emotional...
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...English 472 Spring 2007 Herrick Notes Herrick, James. A History and Theory of Rhetoric: An Introduction. 3rd edition. New York: Allyn and Bacon, 2005 Chapter Eight Enlightenment Rhetorics • late 17th – early 18th century known as the Age of Enlightenment • periods marks a transition in western thought when the questioning of the received truths of Christian tradition, the elevation of rationality over other sources of truth, looking for solutions to social problems by means of the scientific method, and perceiving the universe as governed by inviolable physical laws • 18th century marks a period in which rhetorical theory turned away from its traditional concern for the invention of arguments and toward aesthetic matters of style and good delivery • change influenced by Ramus and Descartes who moved argument and proof out of the domain of rhetoric and into the domains of logic, dialectic, and math • a rhetorical theory that distinguished the discovery of knowledge through reasoning from the communication of that knowledge • thus invention is subordinate to concerns about style, taste, delivery and the imagination • rhetoric again moved to the forefront of education but less concerned with inventing/producing public discourse and more concerned with consuming public discourse Vico on Rhetoric and Human Thought • Giambattista Vico 1668-1744 • Italian philosopher, Lawyer, historian, student of ancient Rome, rhetorician ...
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...Rhetorical analysis, according to Susan-miller Cochran, Roy Stamper, and Stacey Cochran, is a form genre that analyze the text’s rhetoric context (30). Susan-miller Cochran, Roy Stamper, and Stacey Cochran states “In a rhetorical analysis, the writer uses rhetorical framework to understand how the context of the text help create meaning,” (30). The rhetorical framework writers use is rhetorical context that is; the author, the audience, the topic and the purpose (21,30). This is a key component in success for college because analyzing the text to understand the essential elements in the text, helps identify and “create” meaning (30). Rhetoric analysis will allow students to achieve a deeper comprehension of the text, contributing to students...
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...COMMUNICATION THEORY A review of Stephen Mailloux’s (1995, ed) discussion of “Sophistry and Rhetorical pragmatism” (pp1-30) and West and Turner’s (2010, pp.312-327) discussion of “Rhetoric”. This essay is a review of Stephen Mailloux’s discussion of Sophistry and Rhetorical pragmatism (Mailloux, 1995) and West and Turner’s discussion of Rhetoric (West & Turner, 2010). The writings in question discuss the origins and evolution of Rhetoric, with Mailloux introduce a historical and philosophical criticism of “sophistic Rhetoric as applied in the modern American context” (for example, neopragmatism and poststructuralism), and evaluated in the rest of the book, whilst West and Turner enlighten the reader about the heurism and globalism of Aristotle’s Rhetorical theory with a focus on the discipline of public speaking. Mailloux introduces sophistic Rhetoric as founded on the pragmatic doctrine that “Man is the measure of all things: of things which are, that they are, and of things which are not, that they are not”, a phrase attributed to the Sophist Protagoras (Patrick, 2006). Others Sophists of note include Gorgias, Prodicus, Hippias and Thrasymachus – quoted in Plato’s Republic as saying “… ‘Just’ or ‘right’ means nothing but what is to the interest of the stronger party” (Plato & Lane, 2007)). West and Turner’s account of the Rhetoric show that the first teachers of Rhetoric were the "Sophists”, who were nomadic teachers of public speaking that were respected for their intellect...
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...of rhetorical definition as he mentions what creationism meant. The use of rhetorical definition was seen again when he defined later in the presentation as to what evolution meant. The use of example about Matt Slick from CORM falls under the rhetoric device of argument from celebrity. There were also a few visual images used in the presentation. Matt ended his part of the presentation with a video which involved Richard Dawkins an atheist. This is an example of argument from celebrity. In the video Richard Dawkins got into a serious argument with the interviewer. This was an example of argument from outrage. The next part of the presentation was the pros of Creationism which was presented by Melanie. She started off with a question asking how creationism has started. She, then explained how God created the Earth in seven days. This falls under rhetorical explanation as the way she presented showed that day 2 happened because of day 1. Melanie had most of her material based on what the Bible said. This is an example of argument from popularity as she presented saying creationism is true because Bible says it. Melanie also ended the presentation with a video which included many examples. Argument by example is the rhetoric device used here. Sunny, then presented with the cons of creationism. He started with a really convincing video which involved sarcasm in it. He then explained what theory meant with a definition. Rhetorical definition being the rhetoric device...
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...Classical Communication Models 1. Aristotle’s definition of rhetoric. a. “Rhetoric” is “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion” Rhetoric is the counterpart of Dialectic. Both alike are concerned with such things as come, more or less, within the general ken of all men and belong to no definite science. Aristotle, On Rhetoric Aristotle was the first to take an initiative and design the communication model.Let us first go through a simple situation.In a political meeting, the prospective leader delivers speech to the audience urging for more votes from the constituency. He tries to convince the crowd in the best possible way he can so that he emerges as a winner. What is he actually doing ?He is delivering his speech in a manner that the listeners would get convinced and cast their votes only in his favour, or in other words respond in the same manner the speaker wanted to. Here the leader or the speaker or the sender is the centre of attraction and the crowd simply the passive listeners. | The example actually explains the Aristotle model of communication. The Aristotle model of communication is the widely accepted and the most common model of communication where the sender sends the information or a message to the receivers to influence them and make them respond and act accordingly. Aristotle model of communication is the golden rule to excel in public speaking, seminars, lectures where the sender makes his point clear...
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...Chapter 1: "Public Speaking & Public Sphere" transmission model, public sphere model, circulation Lecture 2: From Claim to Speech inherency - is a stock issue in policy debate that refers to a barrier that keeps a harm from being solved in the status quo. constraints (lecture 2 & textbook ch. 5) rightness of fit topic vs. claim a rhetorical claim vs. a philosophical claim components of a good claim Lecture 3: Audience Adaptation discursive identity - A state of identity defined by the descriptors used to define an individual social constitution vicious relativism speech event conditioning composite audience scopus - the object of a directed gaze, a 'target stasis theory - is a four-question, pre-writing (invention) process. stasis theory asks writers to investigate and try to determine: The facts (conjecture) The meaning or nature of the issue (definition) The seriousness of the issue (quality) The plan of action (policy). constitutive rhetoric - the capacity of language or symbols to create a collective identity for an audience, especially by means of condensation symbols, literature, and narratives. rhetoric as adaptation discourse community - groups that have goals or purposes, and use communication to achieve these...
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...a grainy black-and-white photograph of Reiner (whom you may remember from reruns of the popular 1960s TV show All in the Family) that brought to mind a police mug shot. Now, when others want us to do something or want to influence our attitudes or beliefs, they may use an argument. That is, they may offer a reason why we should or shouldn’t do or believe or not believe whatever it is. They might also use threats, bribery, or even more extreme measures. But the passage quoted above illustrates a technique that is used much more frequently: the persuasive power of words, or what we have called their rhetorical force or emotive meaning—their power to express and elicit images, feelings, and emotional associations. In the next few chapters, we examine some of the most common rhetorical techniques used to affect people’s attitudes, opinions, and behavior. Rhetoric refers to the study of persuasive writing. As we use the term, it denotes a broad category of linguistic techniques people use when their primary objective is to influence beliefs and attitudes and behavior. Is Rob Reiner “a perennial political activist millionaire”? Or is he an “untiring advocate of social reform willing to spend his considerable fortune for just causes”? The different...
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...Jason Francis Herbert Pimlott Rhetorical Analysis November 13, 2012 This essay argues that the Globe and Mail (G&M) article, ‘Don’t Teach Until You See the Whites of Their Eyes’ (18 August 2012), is persuasive with its primary target audience of G&M readers. Clifford Orwin, the author of this article, is a professor of political science at the University of Toronto. Furthermore, the main focus of this article deals with the fact that: “Real education requires real teachers and students, not disembodied electronic wraiths.” Through the rhetorical analysis of this editorial, this paper will demonstrate that its persuasiveness can be attributed to four key aspects: through an emphasis on the use of deliberative stasis; its use of ethos and logos; and through its effective use of rhetorical imagery. Before the case can be made for understanding how and why this article is persuasive, we need to begin with setting the context of the issue or exigence to which the article was responding and whether that response was timely and appropriate. To understand the exigence of this article, the interpretation of Orwin’s implied audience is necessary to grasp how the two concepts within exigence, kairos and phronesis, both link text, context and audience together. Through an extensive analysis of the assumptions made by Orwin, the implied audience consists predominantly of instructors. Moreover, Orwin’s motto: “Don’t teach until you see the whites of their eyes.” Also used as...
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...Now recognized as one of the most powerful speeches of the 20th century, Dr. King’s speech was a masterpiece of political rhetoric. In Dr. King's I have Dream Speech the use of rhetorical strategies is seen throughout his speech with metaphors, Allusions and anaphora being most useful in getting his whole point around. With these rhetorical strategies Martin Luther king Jr. uses anaphora to emphasis through repetition makes these phrases more memorable, and, by extension, makes’ King’s story more memorable. Another rhetorical strategy he uses is allusion from the great Gettysburg’s address to show the equivalent worth of both cultures. The last major rhetorical strategy martin Luther king Jr. uses is metaphors, which he uses to this strategy to make point in his speech. Dr. king uses anaphora throughout his speech to gain momentum with each line to erupt in cheers after a few repetitions. For instance dr. king uses the phrases” one hundred years later, the negro is still not free” throughout his speech. Dr. King uses thus phrases...
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...Sean Dobson September 5, 2012 English 015 – Section 056 Rhetorical Analysis Proposal The article that I have chosen to read and analyze for the rhetoric analysis paper is called “Death Penalty and Sentencing Information” by Dudley Sharp, the Death Penalty Resources Director of Justice for All. After reading through the document, the position is clearly in opposition of the death penalty. The paper is written to alert and educate students and adults of the violation of human rights that exist within the code of capital punishment. The author wrote the article in an attempt to make the reader consider their own personal beliefs on the death penalty, and also encourages the reader to delve further into the controversy that has been existent for quite some time. The rhetorical situation in this case is in the form of a well-backed, very detailed position paper about a highly controversial topic. The paper opens up the idea that there are more than just two opposing views, and offers a great deal of factual evidence in support of why the death penalty should not be a viable option of criminal justice. In reading this paper, I was able to identify several types of rhetorical elements. The logos present aree in the form of detailed, well-researched factual evidence that is brought to not only help the position of the author, but intrigue the reader and spur the reader to think about their own position on the matter. Pathos is used in the paper when the author turns to the moral...
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...Strategies are guidelines consisting of planned actions and program components. Public relations practitioners have to analyze situations and conceptualize appropriate strategies to better the organization’s public relations position in the eyes of its stakeholders. In order to identify the appropriate strategy to use, public relations practitioners fall back on the four key theories of public relations – discourse, rhetorical, ethical and critical. These theories help in defining the public relations plan and strategy by assisting in evaluating, examining, planning and performing public relations activities such as gaining publicity, providing entertainment, disseminating information and developing national public information campaigns. Depending on the outcome the organization hopes to achieve and its current circumstances, professionals would seek to apply the most appropriate theory applicable to their situation. Rhetorical theory Rhetoric is defined as the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing. (Online Oxford Dictionaries, 2012) Rhetorical theory, examines the various methods in which language, signs or symbols are carefully selected and organized by the practitioner to produce persuasive and meaningful messages in order to better the organization’s position in the eyes of its publics. (Toth, 1992) The practitioner uses persuasion to soften hostile opinions during crisis management; reinforce latent opinions and positive attitudes and behaviors as well as...
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...Kenneth Burke on Dramatism and Rhetorical Theory I find it regrettable that social scientists automatically ignore Aristotle's Rhetoric. I don't say Aristotle has given us the last word on these matters. But I submit that his actual treatment of topics is fundamentally correct. You could add new topics and develop accordingly. But what you got 2,000 years ago was the kind of approach that can be built on in principle. (Burke 1967:327). While researching many of Kenneth Burke’s books and essays I found that Burke's writings on rhetorical theory demonstrate his passionate concern with artistic communication within social life. His work provides a broad, useful approach for understanding various ways theorists have constructed in the development of their theories of how people use language within social contexts. The theory of Dramatism, constructed by Kenneth Burke, is one of the most radical and complex theories in communication studies. Kenneth Burke struggled for many years to build, reconstruct, and define the aspects of his theory. The use of different articles that either focus on certain aspects of Dramatism and rhetorical theory provide examples of how they can be applied, to simply make more sense of Burke’s concepts and in turn, assert its legitimacy as a very important interpretive theory. Undoubtedly, Dramatism has sparked much debate about rhetorical criticism. It is also undeniable that the heart of Burke’s research and the theory of Dramatism in general is...
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...What are some of the qualities of effective persuasive writing? How do Cicero’s strategies help to prepare us to address specific audiences? Please give examples to support your answers Rhetorical devices have proven to be quite useful in effective pieces of persuasive writing. Eloquence and assiduous choice of words, coupled with the principles rhetoric, can augment the persuasive nature of a piece of writing. To be effective, persuasive writing must contain purpose, context and exigency, tone, and a targeted audience. Of those qualities, a targeted audience is one the most essential. Exerting effort to persuade the wrong group of people would be a waste of time and effort, and most likely be ineffective in persuasion. In the height of the Roman republic, Cicero crafted many orations and pieces of writing with the principles of rhetoric. In his work On Rhetorical Invention, he stresses the importance of sculpting an argument based on the audience. Cicero believed that there was several causes a speaker must make based on their audience: honorable, astonishing, low, doubtful, and the obscure. For example, “The obscure cause addresses those who do not fully understand the issues involved” (Austin, 571). With this in mind, a speaker can adjust the content of their speech. If a writer knows how their audience is predisposed to respond to their work, they will know how to change their wording accordingly. Cicero explained that, “In the kind of cause I have called obscure, it...
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