Final Definition of Rhetoric
LoRell McLean
Rhetoric in my mind has had a transformation in terms of it’s intrinsic value. At the beginning of the course, I actively correlated rhetoric with the art of persuasion. Limiting it solely to spoken speech and the execution of it as a commonality rather than perceiving it as a titan in it’s own right. Upon the semester continuing I’ve observed that my definition of rhetoric has radically transformed. This transformation effecting how I perceive ultimate truth and even everyday truths to be and how people and the world can respond to it.
First I’ll tackle my reframing of the Metaphysics of Presence., as Plato believed that the Metaphysics of Presence involved heavenly forms of earthly beings and things. Therefore the litany of heavenly forms resides in the heavenly realm where the form “absolute truth” also resides. Plato as I understood it, recognized absolute truth as an unending journey that spans over one’s entire life. With this unending journey having varying levels of progress and achievement depending on your occupation/morality. The only agreeable I have with Plato in regarding absolute truth is that the journey to “achieve” is importantly unending. Especially in this world and space. But my belief of absolute truth is vitally intertwined with the life and principles of Jesus Christ and the Bible. Absolute truth in a sense as my view is
the ultimate chasing after the lifestyle of Jesus. To essentially minimize sin and maximize Christ.
What does that look like? Well in all honesty the journey to absolute truth is static, yet a consistent factor found in everyone’s walk to achieve absolute truth is the occurrence and dilemma of temptation. Temptation to commit sinful acts, thoughts, decisions, etc. Temptation is the barrier that slows down and prevents humans from chasing absolute truth. Due to the nature of sin and God/absolute truth the two can’t coalesce. Meaning that sin ultimately separates us from the journey to reach absolute truth. With the enormous effect of sin on us, it’s existence and presence in the world isn’t limited. Sin extends beyond language, countries, cultures, and religions. It can be found in every corner of the world. But sin is simply the reflection of the result of the lack of absolute truth. Since absolute truth is the mirror of sin, that means it’s output in the world also is not limited to a specific language or country. Sin and absolute truth are also extended beyond the physical world. The magnitude of their existence extends beyond into the spiritual as well.
But the spiritual fruits of sin and absolute truth are much more difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced a spiritual encounter with absolute truth. Additionally the spiritual aspects and affects of sin and absolute truth are also extremely nuanced in nature.
Now that absolute truth has been established, I can go more in depth into rhetoric and how I perceive it to exist and operate in our world. Grabbing at my
definition of absolute truth, my definition of rhetoric falls in line with the unlimited, ever-growing ways that we can influence, persuade, or convince other simply of the reality of absolute truth or of what one perceives to be truth or simply their opinion. Basing that perceivable truth or opinion in reality, causes rhetoric to be expanded upon past basic rhetorical strategies. Strategies such as ethos, logos, and pathos, would be extended beyond ordinary literary and verbal examples and utilizations. Instead transitioning to real life situations and people. For example, instead of rhetoric being seen only through the lens of being persuasive language and written strategies it would be extended beyond to different realms of life. These various different realms of life consisting of politics, sex, economics, technology and art, just to name a few. Within these spheres of influence and capital of basic human interest and desire, they can make for dangerous rhetorical tools. Rhetorical tools that ultimately can lead to salvation or destruction.
With that being said rhetoric is unable to be completely studied and learned about to the point where one could be considered an expert, at least in various sphere’s of rhetorical influence and how to navigate and influence the audience and environment that make up said space. An example being the opinion of a political scientist on a specific political issue. Due to the potential background of the political scientist, they may maneuver explaining their opinion in a way that can be understood by anyone or by no one. Their opinion may even be complex in nature and they’re able to compartmentalize the important themes and objectives from it and delegate that information digestibly to someone else. The various different paths are utilizing different or similar rhetorical strategies. But with the rhetor being a political scientist their professional and personal knowledge on the subject at matter, enables them to tap into a much bigger bag of rhetorical strategies and even perceived perceptions of the target audience. Similar to Han’s Feizi’s concerns of persuasion, the rhetor has to be delicate in how they execute displaying their point.
The only differing principle being that the exigence of Han Feizi’s difficulties of persuasion focuses on the afflictions of attempting to persuade someone in a high position of power. Particularly in mindset of military power. But the same way Feizi advises caution in persuading a ruler or power player, the same reflects on the other side of the surface with the rhetor having the power and grappling to terms on how they should output that information for whatever purpose they hold or please. Within that how is where my perception and understanding of rhetoric exists at. Along with what the message is, the more alignment with absolute truth, the more effectiveness of the rhetorical strategies. But that alone is a concept I have yet to oversee any strong evidence to prove it.
All in all rhetoric is a tool that extends beyond all professions, lifestyles, creeds, and religions. Rhetoric is a powerful tool that in the right hand can lead the masses to the light. But in that same light, rhetoric is abused and used for ill gain. Regardless of how and why you and I utilize rhetoric, it’s importance can’t be ignored or denied.