1) What is rhetoric?
2) What is the history and theory of rhetoric?
The definition of rhetoric varies depending on the context in which it is used. Discussing how the ancients interpreted rhetoric, Sharon Crowley and Debra Hawhee state, "people used rhetoric to make decisions, resolve, disputes, and to mediate public discussion of important issues" (Ancient Rhetorics, 1). The writings of Plato, Socrates, and other early sophists come to mind. According to Erika Lindemann, rhetoric can be found in the works of "writers of great literature [who] have employed powerful language to make us cry, to poke fun at our human frailties, and to command our support for important causes" (A Rhetoric for Writing Teachers, 39). But today, many people are influenced by a more common definition containing a negative connotation referring to political speeches, slick advertising, or empty words used to sway opinions and perceptions. More recently, rhetoric has been used in association with the study of technical communication. And my personal definition falls into a rather smiplified phrase of "purposeful use of language."
The history and theory of rhetoric will take a more expanded explanation, hence to purpose of this blog! (More to come....but I guess that's rather obvious, given this is a blog.)
Nice thinking, Cary. Yes, the definition varies. I like Crowley's work on ancient rhetorics. She brings rhetoric to a modern day consequence. Purpose is definitely a priori, as well as audience.
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