Overview
This lecture explores the relationship between rhetoric and advocacy, focusing on argumentation, persuasion, and techniques for conducting rhetorical analysis.
Introduction to Rhetoric
- Rhetoric is the use of symbols, primarily language, to inform or persuade others.
- The field of rhetoric studies how messages influence people and why some messages are persuasive.
Historical Foundations
- Aristotle’s "On Rhetoric" outlines how to organize speeches, modes of delivery, and audience persuasion.
- Three types of rhetoric: forensic (past), deliberative (future action), and epideictic (present values).
Types of Proof in Rhetoric
- Proof is evidence used to persuade.
- Inartistic proofs involve physical evidence.
- Artistic proofs are created by the speaker: ethos (credibility), logos (logic), and pathos (emotion).
Key Concepts in Rhetorical Analysis
- Critic/Rhetorician: the person analyzing the message.
- Rhetor: the individual delivering the persuasive message.
- Text/Rhetorical Artifact: the medium used for persuasion, such as a speech or bumper sticker.
- Intended Audience: the people the rhetor aims to influence.
- Desired Outcome: the effect or action the rhetor wants from the audience.
The I CARE Approach to Rhetorical Analysis
- I (Individual): You are the critic conducting the analysis.
- C (Choice): Select a suitable text or artifact for examination.
- A (Analysis): Describe and interpret what is said and how; research the situation and audience.
- R (Research): Gather context about the artifact and its impact.
- E (Evaluation): Judge the effectiveness and quality of the rhetoric.
Selecting and Analyzing Artifacts
- Select artifacts that are immediate, timely, socially relevant, and representative or uniquely significant.
- Analyze themes, goals, structure, organization, and linguistic choices.
- Examine the relationship between rhetor and audience and identify persuasive strategies (ethos, logos, pathos).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Rhetoric — the art of persuading or influencing others through language.
- Rhetorician/Critic — person analyzing rhetorical acts.
- Rhetor — person delivering the persuasive message.
- Text/Rhetorical Artifact — medium conveying the persuasive message.
- Ethos — appeal to the speaker’s credibility.
- Logos — appeal to logic or reason.
- Pathos — appeal to emotion.
- Forensic Rhetoric — rhetoric about the past.
- Deliberative Rhetoric — rhetoric encouraging future action.
- Epideictic Rhetoric — rhetoric focused on present values.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Select a rhetorical artifact for analysis (e.g., bumper sticker).
- Apply the I CARE approach to conduct your analysis.
- Complete any online activities or discussion forum posts related to ethos, logos, and pathos.