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Rhetoric and Human Consciousness

A History, Third Edition

Craig R. Smith

Creating a meaningful and engaging survey of the uses, definitions, and styles of rhetoric as it has evolved from ancient to present times would be a daunting task for most scholars. Luckily, for all who want to know about rhetoric’s intersection with diverse disciplines of thought, how it has guided human interaction, and its place as a powerful force in public affairs and education, the latest edition of Craig Smith’s Rhetoric and Human Consciousness provides enriching insights. His detailed, well-researched text maintains a balanced, in-depth analysis of theories, perspectives, people, and situations associated with various dimensions of rhetoric.

The historical development of rhetorical theory, together with multiple examples, illustrates and highlights rhetorical themes and trends in philosophical, political, psychological, scientific, and religious thought and creativity. Smith argues that for almost every school of thought, another school of thought forms in reaction. From this perspective, he presents investigations of Greco-Roman, medieval, Renaissance, modern, existential, postmodern, and feminist thinking, examining the evolving definitions of rhetoric from myth and display to persuasion and symbolic inducement. He demonstrates that all of us use rhetoric to achieve higher levels of understanding when we communicate with others because it is crucial to decision making in an uncertain world. An elevated understanding of rhetoric helps us become better persuaders and critical listeners.

The Four Freedoms of the First Amendment

Foss et al., Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric, 3/E

Foss et al., Feminist Rhetorical Theories

Foss et al., Readings in Contemporary Rhetoric

Foss et al., Readings in Feminist Rhetorical Theory

$41.95 list, 408 pages

10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-587-2

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-57766-587-8

© 2009

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“Excellent. Good price, strong scholarship.”  — Stephanie Bennett, Palm Beach Atlantic University

“I very much appreciate this revised edition. It seems well laid out, comprehensive, and student friendly.”  — D. Robert DeChaine, California State University, Los Angeles

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to Rhetoric

Defining Rhetoric / What Is Theory? / A Situational Metatheory / A Case Study of Rhetoric in the Contemporary World / Conclusion

2. The Emergence of Rhetoric in Myth and Narrative

Myth, Narrative, and Rhetoric / Myths and Metaphors / A Case Study: The Gospel Narrator / Essential Elements of Effective Narratives / Conclusion

3. The Greek Sophistication of Rhetoric from Thales to Plato

Thales and the Naturalist School / Athenian Reform and the Rise of Rhetoric / Socrates and Plato / Conclusion

4. Aristotle's Rhetoric

Ethos: To Be "Worthy of Belief" / Pathos: Frame of Mind / Logos: The Enthymeme and the Example / Style and Delivery (Lexis) / Organization (Taxis) and Form / Case Study: Genre, Style, and Webster / Conclusion

5. The Roman Rhetorical System

Roman Nation Building / Rhetorica ad Herennium / The Stasis System / Cicero and Quintilian / Roman Theory of Style / Major Tropes and Figures / Case Study: Decorum in Shakespeare / Conclusion

6. The Fall of Rome and the Rise of Christianity

The Augustinian Turn / The Medieval Period / Conclusion

7. The Renaissance of Rhetoric

Venice, The Flourishing City-State / Florence and the Practice of Rhetoric / Other Theorists / The Protestant Revolt / Religious Intolerance / The Counter-Reformation / The English Renaissance / The Spanish Renaissance / Conclusion

8. Epistemology and the Modern Rhetorics

Cartesian Duality and Humanistic Unity / Epistemology in Great Britain / Faculty Psychology and Rhetoric / Elocutionary Thought / Conclusion

9. The Existential Revolt against Modernism

The Modernist Position / Existential Objections / The Existential Challenge / Conclusion

10. Identification, Dialectic, and Dramatism

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) / Carl Jung (1875–1961) and Jacques Lacan (1901–1981) / Karl Marx (1818–1883) / Habermas' Reform / Kenneth Burke (1897–1993) / Case Study of Subliminal Symbology / Framing Rhetoric / Conclusion

11. Context, Function, and Media

Meaning in Context / Mediated Rhetoric in the Contemporary Era / A Case Study in Mediated Rhetoric: Murphy Is the Message / Conclusion

12. Postmodern and Feminist Theories

Postmodernism: Oxymoron or Useful Construct / Feminism in the Postmodern World / The Feminist Critique as a Rhetorical Theory / Conclusion

13. Rhetorical Consciousness

Rhetoric as Ontological / Rhetoric as Axiological / Rhetoric as Epistemic / Rhetoric, Governance, and Power / Conclusion

Appendix: A Timeline of Events