Bitzer's Rhetorical Theory: Exigence and Audience

The importance of divining the will of the gods

Polyidos and Asclepius

Here we have the story of Melampus, the seer of the Peloponnesus.

This is an introduction to the role of Seers in Greek myth. The mythological way of looking at the world sets the stage for the contrasting philosophical views of the world.

Let's have a quick look at arguments with an "if... then" structure.

Here is a quick look at Syllogisms and how to apply rules to check validity.

A look at statement types A, E, I, & O with negations.

Here I will review a few basic concepts and terms of logic that we will use in the following episodes. I want to clarify statements and propositions, and the difference between valid and sound arguments.

Bitzer's Rhetorical Situation involves three ideas: exigence, audience, and constraints. In this episode, I discuss the importance of constraints. Constraints are an essential element of a persuasive appeal. They can make or break a rhetorical audience.

Two elements that create a rhetorical situation are exigence and audience. What is a rhetorical exigence & rhetorical audience?