The Philosophy of Rhetoric: Volume 1

Published in 1776, this is a classic two-volume work on rhetorical theory by a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment.

George Campbell (Author)

9781108063876, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 31 October 2013

534 pages
21.6 x 14 x 3 cm, 0.67 kg

A leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, George Campbell (1719–96) began to write what was to become his most famous work, The Philosophy of Rhetoric, soon after his ordination as a minister in 1748. Later, as a founder of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society, he was able to present his theories, and these discourses were eventually published in 1776. In the spirit of the Enlightenment, Campbell combined classical rhetorical theory with the latest thinking in the social, behavioural and natural sciences. A proponent of 'common sense' philosophy, he was particularly interested in the effect of successful rhetoric upon the mind. Published in two volumes, the work is divided into three books. Volume 1 contains Book 1 and part of Book 2. Book 1 emphasises the necessity of acknowledging and adapting to the needs of an audience. In Book 2, Campbell expands on the linguistic tools a successful rhetorician should employ.

Preface
Introduction
Part I. The Nature and Foundations of Eloquence: 1. Eloquence in the largest acceptation defined
2. Of wit, humour, and ridicule
3. The doctrine of the preceding chapter defended
4. Of the relation which eloquence bears to logic and to grammar
5. Of the different sources of evidence, and the different subjects to which they are respectively adapted
6. Of the nature and use of the scholastic art of syllogising
7. Of the consideration which the speaker ought to have of the hearers as men in general
8. Of the consideration which the speaker ought to have of the hearers as men in particular
9. Of the consideration which the speaker ought to have of himself
10. The different kinds of public speaking in use among the moderns, compared, with a view to their different advantages in respect of eloquence
11. Of the cause of that pleasure which we receive from objects or representations that excite pity and other painful feelings
Part II. The Foundations and Essential Properties of Elocution: 1. The nature and characters of the use which gives law to languages
2. The nature and use of verbal criticism, with its principal canons
3. Of grammatical purity
4. Some grammatical doubts in regard to English construction stated and examined.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of mind [HPM]