Understanding Rhetorical Situations with Bitzer , Vatz , & Consigny

Understanding Rhetorical Situations with Bitzer, Vatz, & Consigny ENGL 1301 04.23.12 Monty

Overview • A three-part “conversation” between Lloyd Bitzer, Richard Vatz, and Scott Consigny • Dealt with rhetoric as it pertains to persuasive, social situations • Argued for different understandings of audience • Demonstrated a triangulated approach to epistemology

“The Rhetorical Situation” Bitzer (1968) • Concerned with the contexts that prompted people to write • Situation gives existence to the discourse, not the other way around • Rhetoric is pragmatic • The rhetorical situation is comprised of: exigency, audience, and restraints • Ethos is malleable

“The Myth of the rhetorical situation” Vatz (1973) • Backwards Bitzer • Situation is tied to the interpretations of the speaker • Rhetorical situations are not static, neither are morals and ethics • Meaning is rhetorically constructed (social epistemology)

“Rhetoric and its situations” Consigny (1974) • Not every rhetorical situation involves a clear-cut problem • The rhetor isn't there to answer questions or solve problems, but to ask questions and recognize problems; must posses integrity and recptivity • Problems do not pose themselves • Rhetoric and a “heuristic” and “managerial art” • Topoi, topics, and common places

Assignment • Map the entire article, indicating the author’s main points and arguments • Due via email by Friday, April 27 @ 11:30 PM • Compose a mini-lesson explaining the author’s main points and arguments • Present findings to class on Wednesday, April 25, 10-15 minutes Individual Group

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Understanding Rhetorical Situations with Bitzer , Vatz , & Consigny