Reframing Rhetoric A Liberal Politics Without Dogma [Hardcover]

This book is a combination of rhetorical theory and critical thinking. It argues that liberalism in its most meaningful sense is not ideological, but a politics of rational and civic virtue. It uses different frames and references to address problems liberals face in confronting the rhetorical strengths of conservative policy argument.PART I: POLITICS Reification and Empty Abstraction The Apparent Demise of Liberalism Liberalism as 'Good Politics' Direct Elective and Sub Rosa Politics Wells of Ignorance Framing Issues in Politics: Separation of Church and State Rights and Responsibilities PART II: LIBERALISM Methodological Liberalism and its Limits Liberalism and Practical Reason Application of a Liberal Frame to Family and Children Issues PART III: CONSERVATISM Political Argument and Conservatism Prudential Conservatism Utilitarian Conservatism Confucian Conservatism PART IV:RHETORIC Rhetorical Aims and Modes: Appeals and Responses The Rhetoric of Experts Rhetoric of Story Telling and Expository Modes Organization and Arrangement: Limitations in the Use of Frames and Perspectives Variety of Logical Appeals: Appeals to Logos Ethical Appeal: 'Person' as a Forensic Term Truthfulness and Lying and the Conventions of Advocacy Authenticity and Hypocrisy and the Conventions of Advocacy PART V: RHETORICAL CRITICISM Varieties of Rhetorical Criticism and the Limits of Interpretation Difficulties in Dealing with Presumption Deceptions, Blunders, and Confusions

Writing in a direct style that is often autobiographical and impassioned, George Yoos reconstructs the importance of liberal thought in modern society, and the critical-thinking and rhetorical skills required to nourish it.

- David Kaufer, Carnegie Mellon Reframing Rhetoric presents a novel and spirited consideration of liberalism as a method of practical reasoning rather than a political ideology. Its argument for liberalism as the practice of 'good politics' situates accommodation betweenlC)