The Passions of Rhetoric: Lessing’s Theory of Argument and the German Enlightenment

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Reference, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, History
Cover of the book The Passions of Rhetoric: Lessing’s Theory of Argument and the German Enlightenment by E.K. Moore, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: E.K. Moore ISBN: 9789401119962
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: E.K. Moore
ISBN: 9789401119962
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

The goal of this book is to ascertain Lessing's views on argumentation and rhetoric. I intend to establish that these views constitute a systematic and coherent theory and to argue that for Lessing rhetoric in argument can yield philosophical truth. Analysis of Lessing's views also sheds light on the general significance of rhetoric in the 18th century. The denial that rhetoric has claims to truth is a long-standing prejudice of Western thought. This position is evident in Kant's rejection of rhetoric in philosophical discourse. But in my view, the situation in the 18th century in Germany was somewhat more complex. Rhetoric did not die a quiet death but was very much alive in polemical tracts, and Lessing was a pivotal figure in a culture dominated by argument and disputation. I asked myself why and how this polemical age came to an end and how does the rejection of polemics by the 19th century affect our understanding of the 18th century? In the Introduction, I address some of these questions and establish a historical framework for the development of polemics in the 18th century. Another reason this polemical age has traditionally been seen as problematic for the scholars of the period is because argument, disputation and debate cannot be submitted to the same easy analysis as the systematic treatises produced at the end of the century.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The goal of this book is to ascertain Lessing's views on argumentation and rhetoric. I intend to establish that these views constitute a systematic and coherent theory and to argue that for Lessing rhetoric in argument can yield philosophical truth. Analysis of Lessing's views also sheds light on the general significance of rhetoric in the 18th century. The denial that rhetoric has claims to truth is a long-standing prejudice of Western thought. This position is evident in Kant's rejection of rhetoric in philosophical discourse. But in my view, the situation in the 18th century in Germany was somewhat more complex. Rhetoric did not die a quiet death but was very much alive in polemical tracts, and Lessing was a pivotal figure in a culture dominated by argument and disputation. I asked myself why and how this polemical age came to an end and how does the rejection of polemics by the 19th century affect our understanding of the 18th century? In the Introduction, I address some of these questions and establish a historical framework for the development of polemics in the 18th century. Another reason this polemical age has traditionally been seen as problematic for the scholars of the period is because argument, disputation and debate cannot be submitted to the same easy analysis as the systematic treatises produced at the end of the century.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Changing Educational Landscapes by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Pesticide Toxicity to Non-target Organisms by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Molecular Basis of Health and Disease by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Models of the History of Philosophy by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Neurodevelopmental Disabilities by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book ‘In Considerable Variety’: Introducing the Diversity of Australia’s Insects by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book The treaty-making power in the Commonwealth of Australia by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Modelling by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Medical Challenges for the New Millennium by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Planets in Binary Star Systems by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book The European Coal and Steel Community by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Educational Innovation in Economics and Business III by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Epistemic Analysis by E.K. Moore
Cover of the book Biology of the Ovary by E.K. Moore
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy