Neo-Aristotelian Criticism

Procedure: Using the neo-Aristotelian method of criticism

“Conventional Wisdom - Traditional Form - The President’s Message of November 3,1969” By: Forbes Hill

Neo-Aristotelian Criticism

Significance

Neo-Aristotelian criticism was the first formal method of rhetorical theory, until other methods of rhetorical criticism were established it was the only formal method.

Neo-Aristotelian Criticism and Nixon's "Silent Majority Speech" Critiqued by Forbes Hill

First formal method of rhetorical criticism developed in the communication field

Neo-Aristotelian Criticism was virtually unchallenged as the method to use in rhetorical criticism until the 1960’s.

Selecting an artifact

Analyzing the Artifact

1. Reconstructing the context

2. Application of the 5 canons

3. Assessing the impact of the artifact

Formulating the research question

Writing the final essay

Forbes Hill sets out to juxtapose previous examinations with a strict neo-Aristotelian analysis.

Previous examinations that he is looking at includes Stelzer, Newman, and Campbell critiques

Hill’s criticism is to show if Nixon makes the best choices, to get a favorable decision from a specified group of auditors in a specific situation.

By: Kelsey Peachey

What is the best way to end the war?

Vietnamization speech

Nixon’s use of ethos

Hill analyzes using the precept that, the better the moral end that the speaker can use, the better the ethos he reveals.

Nixon is focusing on the future

• he could not have immediate withdrawal from Vietnam because of the need to think about the long term effects

Four plans to end American involvement

• Immediate withdrawal
• Negotiated settlement
• Shifting the burden of the war to the Vietnamese with American withdrawal on a fixed timetable
• Shifting the burden of the war to the Vietnamese with American withdrawal on a flexible schedule

Target Audiences

Eliminated Target

Secondary Target

Primary Target

• “The silent majority”
• Key decision makers
• Americans not driven by a clearly defined ideological commitment to oppose or support the war

What is the best way to end the war?

Logical and Psychological Persuasive Factors

How effective is the speech?

Analysis and Assessment

Nixon uses two important premises

• predictions
• values

Plays off of emotions

Hills states “ the message creates the illusion of proving that Vietnamization and flexible withdrawal constitutes the best policy.”

Nixon tries to suggest that immediate withdrawal would lead to America being less unified, less confident, and less able to fight in the future

Hill states “ The more commonplace and universally accepted the premises and prediction in a deliberative speech, the more effective the speech” p 37

• He is focused on the future of America
• His language helps to reinforce his ethos
• He uses the style of deliberative argumentation through the impression of bluntness and forthrightness
• “Silent Majority”

Neo-Aristotelian reveals that the speechwriter is a superior technician, the greatest successes are the choice of the right premises to make a version of the domino theory

Conclusion and Questions

Limitations

Aspects of the speech neo-Aristotelian does not critique.

• The wisdom of the speakers choice of target audience
• The truth of Nixon’s statements
• The reality of the values he assumes as aspects of American life