In this unit we examine the rich and complex area called rhetorical studies, as it helps us to both understand and navigate power dynamics. Rhetoric, defined most generally as the "art of persuasion" is one of the more important modalities of power. As a set of theories, methods and practice, rhetorical studies is both a theoretical and applied area of study and is in this sense quite useful to students of power.
Rhetoric has been variously studied, theorized and applied over the course of history. What you will read is an admittedly Western take on the topic of language and persuasion. That said, much is currently being written about rhetoric across the world and the landscape of rhetorical studies will likely look quite different 20 years from now.
The term "rhetoric" comes from Ancient Greece and was theorized and codified most notably by the polymath, Aristotle (384-322 BCE), who lived and taught in Athens during the birth and development of the Greek democracy. Much of what Aristotle wrote about rhetoric informed, and was informed by, his political philosophies concerning 'democracy'. His rhetoric was a civic rhetoric. The field of rhetoric as we know it today is built off of Aristotle's three part book (actually a compilation of lectures) On Rhetoric. Aristotle's concepts, theories and musings live on today in both the art and study of rhetoric. His ideas were built upon most notably in antiquity by Romans, Quintilian, Cicero and later St. Augustine. Indeed, the field of oratory as practiced in many Western political and legal communities is taken directly from these ancient theorists.
Contemporary rhetorical studies have extended rejected, and adapted early theories into a rich field of study. What is clear from the diverse areas of study, is that rhetoric is intimately connected to power and then any study of power would be amiss should it not connect agency and rhetoric.
This unit guided by Del Gandio's manifesto-meets-manual, Rhetoric for Radicals, a book he put together to help social activists (1) understand that activist is rhetorical labor and (2) hone their rhetorical craft. Regardless of your own political leanings and comfort with the notion of "radicalism", Del Gandio's text is a cohesive, concise and pragmatic survey and toolkit of rhetorical studies.
Rhetoric has been variously studied, theorized and applied over the course of history. What you will read is an admittedly Western take on the topic of language and persuasion. That said, much is currently being written about rhetoric across the world and the landscape of rhetorical studies will likely look quite different 20 years from now.
The term "rhetoric" comes from Ancient Greece and was theorized and codified most notably by the polymath, Aristotle (384-322 BCE), who lived and taught in Athens during the birth and development of the Greek democracy. Much of what Aristotle wrote about rhetoric informed, and was informed by, his political philosophies concerning 'democracy'. His rhetoric was a civic rhetoric. The field of rhetoric as we know it today is built off of Aristotle's three part book (actually a compilation of lectures) On Rhetoric. Aristotle's concepts, theories and musings live on today in both the art and study of rhetoric. His ideas were built upon most notably in antiquity by Romans, Quintilian, Cicero and later St. Augustine. Indeed, the field of oratory as practiced in many Western political and legal communities is taken directly from these ancient theorists.
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| Aristotle (384-322 BCE) |
Contemporary rhetorical studies have extended rejected, and adapted early theories into a rich field of study. What is clear from the diverse areas of study, is that rhetoric is intimately connected to power and then any study of power would be amiss should it not connect agency and rhetoric.
This unit guided by Del Gandio's manifesto-meets-manual, Rhetoric for Radicals, a book he put together to help social activists (1) understand that activist is rhetorical labor and (2) hone their rhetorical craft. Regardless of your own political leanings and comfort with the notion of "radicalism", Del Gandio's text is a cohesive, concise and pragmatic survey and toolkit of rhetorical studies.