Chapter 11. Bentham on rhetoric
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Ross Charnock
Abstract
Bentham’s “Book of Fallacies” (1824) presents itself as a form of rhetorical self-defence. The author insists that the fallacies are invariably used as counter-arguments, blocking political reform and preventing social progress. He claims that the use of such paralogical techniques is a sure sign of corruption. However, he denies the efficacy of such rhetorical arguments, insisting that only the weak-minded and ignorant are likely to be persuaded. A comparison of the “Book of Fallacies” with his “Anarchical Fallacies” shows that his own preferred mode of argument is analytic and atomist rather than rhetorical.
Bentham expressed radical views on contentious subjects of public importance. His proposals are still widely discussed in academic circles, but were rarely taken up by posterity. His wholesale denunciation of rhetoric in all its forms may appear irrational; however, if he believed that his ideas were rejected for purely fallacious reasons, then his attitude may be explained as a reluctant recognition of the power of rhetoric over reason.
Abstract
Bentham’s “Book of Fallacies” (1824) presents itself as a form of rhetorical self-defence. The author insists that the fallacies are invariably used as counter-arguments, blocking political reform and preventing social progress. He claims that the use of such paralogical techniques is a sure sign of corruption. However, he denies the efficacy of such rhetorical arguments, insisting that only the weak-minded and ignorant are likely to be persuaded. A comparison of the “Book of Fallacies” with his “Anarchical Fallacies” shows that his own preferred mode of argument is analytic and atomist rather than rhetorical.
Bentham expressed radical views on contentious subjects of public importance. His proposals are still widely discussed in academic circles, but were rarely taken up by posterity. His wholesale denunciation of rhetoric in all its forms may appear irrational; however, if he believed that his ideas were rejected for purely fallacious reasons, then his attitude may be explained as a reluctant recognition of the power of rhetoric over reason.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- List of figures vii
- List of tables ix
- Introduction. Genres and persuasion 1
- Chapter 1. Plural conversations about argumentation 24
- Chapter 2. Establishing starting points in Editorials 46
- Chapter 3. Arguments and framing strategies in Italian public discourse about measures to contrast the Covid-19 pandemic 71
- Chapter 4. Press releases of COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers 92
- Chapter 5. Legitimation in contested industries 111
- Chapter 6. Argumentative style in international adoption dossiers 134
- Chapter 7. Persuasion and critical-theoretical thought 153
- Chapter 8. Argumentation and the “interaction of minds” in text 169
- Chapter 9. Argumentation in scientific discourse 189
- Chapter 10. Teaching to manage implicit linguistic meanings 211
- Chapter 11. Bentham on rhetoric 232
- Chapter 12. Engaging conspiracy theories 248
- Index 265
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- List of figures vii
- List of tables ix
- Introduction. Genres and persuasion 1
- Chapter 1. Plural conversations about argumentation 24
- Chapter 2. Establishing starting points in Editorials 46
- Chapter 3. Arguments and framing strategies in Italian public discourse about measures to contrast the Covid-19 pandemic 71
- Chapter 4. Press releases of COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers 92
- Chapter 5. Legitimation in contested industries 111
- Chapter 6. Argumentative style in international adoption dossiers 134
- Chapter 7. Persuasion and critical-theoretical thought 153
- Chapter 8. Argumentation and the “interaction of minds” in text 169
- Chapter 9. Argumentation in scientific discourse 189
- Chapter 10. Teaching to manage implicit linguistic meanings 211
- Chapter 11. Bentham on rhetoric 232
- Chapter 12. Engaging conspiracy theories 248
- Index 265
