Heuristic Rhetoric
Description
This book introduces a novel approach to the analysis and practice of persuasive speaking and writing: heuristic rhetoric. The new method has evolved to fulfil the need at universities, government departments, political organisations, business enterprises and other public institutions for a modern practical alternative to classical rhetoric, which is, in the author's view, no longer capable of giving a complete description of contemporary, predominantly mediatised, forms of public persuasive discourse, whilst other competing disciplines, such as critical discourse analysis or strategic manoeuvring, have not yet produced a set of tools, which have the comprehensive nature and practical orientation of Classical Greek and Roman rhetorical system. The book expounds heuristic rhetoric as an inter-disciplinary method to develop advanced skills of critical and strategic reasoning. Applying a novel set of principles for the strategic analysis of persuasive reasoning in complex rhetorical situations, the method emphasizes preparing and continuously adjusting argumentation according to the demands of unpredictable circumstances.
Reviews / Votes
"Tahin offers a unique approach to rhetorical instruction. By uniting the spirit of ancient textbooks and its focus on successful practical strategies with contemporary research and techniques, he creates a truly innovative work. His close interweaving of a wealth of classical and modern theories with a plethora of well-chosen examples make his book a genuinely rewarding read." (- Michael Hoppmann , Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Communication Studies, Northeastern University, USA)"The systematic study of persuasive discourse has its origins in classical Greece. The Art of Rhetoric was the centerpiece of higher education in Europe for two millennia and remained a key part of higher education in the US and UK through the early 20th century. This book proves that key ideas from the rhetorical tradition remain relevant and in fact indispensable as we are in the third decade of the 21st century. Scholar Gábor Tahin deserves our thanks for skillfully illustrating the continuing importance of the Art of Rhetoric." (- Edward Schiappa , John E. Burchard Professor of Humanities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA)
"In this volume Gabor Tahin argues persuasively for a new approach to rhetorical analysis, based on a methodology derived from heuristic analysis, which draws on and develops both classical and modern models. The author emphasises the need for speakers to plan their arguments strategically and to be able to adjust them to changing and unpredictable variables in rhetorical situations. He illustrates various patterns of persuasive argument ('heuremes') with numerous examples from classical Greek and Roman oratory and from modern legal, political and other situations. This thought-provoking study concludes with a recommendation for a new, dedicated rhetorical curriculum focused on training in the principles of heuristic rhetoric.(- Michael Edwards , Department of Classics, Royal Holloway, University of London,UK)
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Gábor Tahin is Head of Classics at Clifton College, Bristol, UK. His research interests include the philosophy and theory of rhetoric, Classical rhetoric, strategies of persuasive reasoning, and the practice of oratory.