Rhetoric and Human Consciousness: A History

Throughout history, the world's most brilliant thinkers have sought to discover and to enlighten others about important concepts at the forefront of human consciousness, including the search for truth, harmony, spirit, and the proper way to live. This richly detailed, well-researched, and balanced volume presents an in-depth investigation of rhetoric's usefulness throughout significant epochs-Greco-Roman, medieval, Renaissance, modern, existential, and postmodern-in a way that brings historical and contemporary figures alive for readers. Smith examines evolving definitions of rhetoric, from myth and display to persuasion and symbolic inducement, and demonstrates rhetoric's intersection with other disciplines such as political science, philosophy, and psychology. The second edition of this highly accessible work presents a deeper analysis of many topics, contains expanded material on Plato's and Cicero's approaches to rhetoric, examines Islam's impact on rhetorical theory, and extends the examination of female rhetorical figures by including female theorists of the 1700s. Study questions at the end of each chapter help readers synthesize, retain, and reflect on the information presented. A time line of events provides an opportunity to view historical facts and figures at a glance, and the comprehensive index and thorough bibliography serve as guides for further research.