Term Papers on Rhetorical Theory

Term Paper Title	Rhetorical Theory
# of Words	554
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	2.22

Rhetorical Theory

12/18/03

Kenneth Burke defines rhetoric as the "use of words by human agents to form attitudes or to induce actions in other human agents," and "the use of language as a symbolic means of inducing cooperation in beings that respond to symbols." Both of these are strongly based on Two observations are worth pointing out here. First, rhetoric is seen as a subset of a larger category, symbolic action. Second, persuasion is central to Burke's view of rhetoric. Although persuasion involves inducing actions in other human agents, speakers must first seek identification with the other speaker. Therefore a prerequisite to persuading someone is to identify with that person's speech, attitudes, and ideas. Because speakers gain mutual perspectives through identification, Burke argues that speakers are initially divided. Division results from the human condition of inhabiting a separate physical body; we are physically distinct from one another. If speakers were not initially divided, there would not be a need for a speaker to persuade an audience since the minds of speaker and audience would already be united.

Burke uses the term consubstantial synonomously with identification. Consubstantial refers to a speaker's identification through various properties or substances, such as physical objects, occupations, friends, activities, beliefs, and values. For example, to call someone a friend or brother is to proclaim him consubstantial with oneself, one's values or purposes. In addition, Burke relates the sharing of substances to actions; that is, by sharing common substances, such as sensations, concepts, images, and ideas, speakers can be viewed as acting together.

Such considerations are basic ...

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