Abstract This paper provides a broad overview of KennethBurke's most influential works and the effect they have had on the study of communications. It then focuses on and describes one of Burke's greatest contributions to communications theory - his pentad theory, which was theorized in "A Grammar of Motives." The paper discusses this theory and the influence that it had on communications study.
Table of Contents:
Burke: A Broad Overview
The Pentad Explored
Works and Research Spurred by the Burkean Pentad
Expanding the Pentad
Conclusion
From the Paper "Ling's analysis of Kennedy's speech may be one of the best known examples of pentad-based analysis, but it is by no means the only one. In fact, the Kenneth Burke Society - which also publishes the KB Journal - holds a triennial conference where various papers on Burkean theory are presented. Topics have included the application of pentad analysis to increasingly high-tech communications; rhetorical analysis of the press; pentad analysis of George W. Bush's communications on the Iraq War; and much more (Burke Papers, 2006). In fact, the Kenneth Burke Society has already announced plans for a 2008 conference in Philadelphia, to ensure the application of Burke's theories continues."
Abstract The paper discusses KennethBurke's theory of the "new rhetoric" - in which he saw culture as a kind of language of contextual symbols. The "symbolic construction of social reality" is the topic of scholarly debate and discussion even fifty-seven years after the publishing of his groundbreaking book "A Rhetoric of Motives". The paper notes that what Burke meant by "new rhetoric" according to Marie Hochmuth - writing in The Quarterly Journal of Speech - applies interestingly and poignantly to a review of many cultural settings, including the American style of weddings. The paper looks at the American institution of a wedding, with all the traditions, myths, spoken ceremonial words and rituals, and critiques the wedding as a tradition and as a cultural institution, using the new rhetoric interpretations and strategies put forward by Burke.
From the Paper "The bride wears white, presumably to signify her purity. But in other cultures, most notably India and Japan, red rather than white is the customary color of first-time brides. Even in our own culture, white was not the customary color for a wedding dress until the 19th century, when Queen Victoria wore white at her wedding. Also, for a long time, women did not have enough money to have a new dress, so they wore their best dresses, unless they were wealthy, but now that clothing is cheaper, almost everyone wears a special dress for the day. Even if someone defies these norms, such an act is consciously interpreted as defiance. People do not exist outside of the symbolic language of the culture in which they find themselves."
Abstract This paper examines the history of rhetoric and it's significance in early Greek and Roman civilizations that coincided with creation of democracy and the importance of public speech. It then shows KennethBurke's contribution to the new rhetoric as an argumentative weapon and his influence on the post-modern deconstructionism.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Section One: The Preceding Conversation
3. Section Two: Contribution to the Conversation
4. Section Three: Effect on the Conversation
5. Conclusion
From the paper:
"The word "rhetoric" has an old fashioned air about it. It calls up images of schoolrooms with children in ruffled collars and Latin grammars and not a laptop in sight for several centuries. But rhetoric is as alive as is language itself, and this paper examines the importance of rhetorical studies in helping each of us to become the best writers and speakers ? the best communicators ? that we can be. A historical study of changes models and standards in rhetoric can also provide us not only with a sense of how linguistic and especially English style has changed over the years as well as illuminating how our conception of language and its structure and function have changed as well. This paper engages in such an examination by focusing on the work of KennethBurke. We begin with a brief overview of the life of this man whose rhetorical work we will then examine."
A comparison of the articles "Dell Hymes, KennethBurke's 'Identification,' and the Birth of Sociolinguistics" by Jay Jordan and "Do You Speak American?" by John Baugh.
Abstract The paper discusses how Dell Hymes and KennethBurke offer compelling insight into the foundations of sociolinguistics using the key term of "Identification". The paper then analyzes Jay Jordan's scholarly article "Dell Hymes, KennethBurke's 'Identification,' and the Birth of Sociolinguistics" and contrasts it to John Baugh's popular press article "Do You Speak American?" The paper shows how, while Jordan's article is based on hard research without taking any one side, Baugh's article on Ebonics is based on the author's opinions and fueled by media exposure and political impact.
Outline:
Background
Issue
Scholarly Article
Popular Press Article
Discussion
From the Paper ""Sociolinguistics is the study of the effect of any and all aspects of society, including cultural norms, expectations, and context on the way language is used. Sociolinguistics overlaps to a considerable degree with pragmatics" (Wikipedia). The study of sociolinguistics offers a view on how subtle or pronounced language variation can be a result of social variables such as ethnicity, religion, status, and level of education (Wikipedia). The importance of the study of sociolinguistics can be applied to a variety of applications; from legal precedence in a court of law to defining the true meaning, or as Kenneth Burke defined, the "identification" of the meaning of words in which context, setting, and other social factors are applied (Jordan)."
Tags: Ebonics, African-Americans, dialect, language
Abstract This paper describes Martha Burk's protest against the private Augusta National Golf and Country Club's all-male membership policy. The author examines issues of civil rights, equal opportunities and an "even playing field". The paper explores the wide ranging implications of membership.
From the Paper "The significance of the Augusta National membership controversy lies in its demonstration of the inevitable tension in American society caused by the fundamental human rights recognized in two amendments..."
Tags: Martha Burk, Augusta National, The Masters, PGA, golf
Abstract This paper studies the possible reasons for the stock market crash in 1929. It examines John Kenneth Galbraith's book 'The Great Crash: 1929' which claims that the reason for the Great Crash was the over-zealousness and miscalculations of financial analysts and brokers at the time. It discusses how the basis economic theories were suddenly irrelevant afterwards. Finally, it blames the stock market crash on investors that did not want to see the reality.
From the Paper "John Kenneth Galbraith's book "The Great Crash: 1929 claims that the depression of 1929 was a direct result of the miscalculations of the financial analysts and the other brokers which caused the crash of the stocks. He states that these actors of the economic field had a direct involvement in the stock market and had become too greedy to actually see what was happening to the market around them---too greedy to actually fear the recuperation's of what was easily predictable as the downfall."
From the Paper " This study will compare and contrast the ideas of Aristotle and Kenneth Burke on rhetoric. The study will argue that Aristotle is determined arrive at a rhetoric which is based on reason and which yields an ideal portrait of the art, whereas Burke, while he deeply appreciates Aristotle, does not believe that such an ideal can be found, although he has not given up the search.
To Aristotle, language and the use of language in effective speech can bring human beings nearer and nearer their higher purpose, which is happiness as that ideal, but for Burke words and their use are much more problematic. Words for Burke are much more mysterious and playful entities than for Aristotle. For Aristotle, the broad class of the audience is what is foremost, while with Burke the reader suspects that Burke is enjoying.."
Abstract An essay which compares the political philosophy of Edmund Burke with that of his leading critic, Thomas Paine. It argues that Burke's philosophy was less a reaction to the French Revolution than an idealization of the English constitution which was created for the purpose of disarming those in England who might have drawn upon revolutionary principles to foster change at home. Paine's philosophy is distinguished from Burke's chiefly by the fact that it takes a much more critical attitude to the past.
From the Paper "Yet as praise for Burke's philosophy seems detached from any particular enthusiasm for the late 18th-century English state, it seems that Burke's political philosophy is routinely analyzed in a way that completely abstracts it from the political order it was intended to eulogize and exempt from further change. The problem with this abstract approach is that it bestows upon Burke's philosophy the power to legitimize any political order simply because it has subsisted into a venerable old age. In other words, if the Third Reich had lasted a thousand years, it would also be entitled to similar esteem as the fruit of generations of human wisdom. It is hard, however, to see the genuine wisdom in a philosophy which blithely ratifies the past, without developing clear criteria to distinguish between the parts which might be allowed to continue to subsist without harm, and those which will only yield harm if left uncorrected."
Tags: Reflections, Revolution, France, Whig, 18th-century, Common, Sense
Abstract This paper compares the writings and philosophies of Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine, as detailed in their respective works "Reflections on the Revolution in France" and "Rights of Man". Both books explore the foundations and obligations of the citizen and his government. The author of this paper maintains that Paine's piece is superior, particular since it was written in many ways as a rebuttal to Burke's. This paper details the philosophers' perspectives on several parallel issues, concluding that Paine's argument that the power lays with the people is more compelling than Burke's justification of the ruling class.
From the Paper "Let us look at how they tackle the origins of the rights of man, and in so doing, we will be able to analyze the argumentative style of each author and compare them. Burke contends that the people of England are unjustified in any gripe they might have with Parliament, for as he sees it, the government established that the people of England were subordinate to the government for all time. According to Burke, a 17th century Parliament that declared English citizens to be loyal and subordinate to Parliament denies the people the right in his present time to complain. "The Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, do, in the name of the people aforesaid" (meaning the people of England then living) "most humbly and faithfully submit themselves, their heirs and posterities, for EVER." Burke cites this as evidence for why any talk of revolution is ridiculous, out of place, and irresponsible."
Abstract This paper takes a look at two proponents of the French revolution, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Edmund Burke, their background, their achievements and their views on the revolution. Rousseau and Burke both supported the revolution, but for different reasons. This paper discusses their similarities and their differences.
Contents:
Rousseau
Burke Conclusions
From the Paper "According to Rousseau, society's negative effect on generally good men focuses on society's mutation of "amour de soi," a positive self-love, into "amour-propre," or pride. Rousseau argued that amour de soi generates the instinctive human desire for self-preservation, in conjunction with the uniquely human power of reason. To differentiate, amour-propre is not natural but artificial and forces man to compare himself to others, thus creating unwarranted fear and allowing men to take pleasure in the pain or weakness of others. Revolution for Rousseau, however, as an essential force to combat the negative influences of society stems from amour de soi, so it is pure in Rousseau's eyes.
In his work "Discourse on the Arts and Sciences" Rousseau touched on a different angle associated with revolution. Rousseau asserted that the arts and sciences had not been a boon at all to mankind, because both studies were advanced not in response to human needs but as the result of pride and vanity - amour proper. Also, the opportunities arts and sciences engendered for idleness and luxury led directly and continue to lead directly to the corruption of man. Rousseau wrote in "Discourse on the Arts and Sciences" that the evolution of knowledge had rendered governments increasingly powerful and had destroyed individual liberty. Rousseau determined that corporeal progress had actually undermined the possibility of sincere friendship, replacing it with jealousy, fear and suspicion - more evidence of amour proper."
Tags: Social, Contract, society, Inequality, Whig, party, A, Philosophical, Enquiry
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the Edmund Burke's conciliation speech. According to the paper, Edmund Burke's speech urges Parliament to adopt a more sensible approach to the colonies to ensure not only peace but political and economic obeisance. The paper reports that Burke believed that conciliation with the colonies would help Britain prosper and continue their dominion on both sides of the Atlantic.
From the Paper "Furthermore, Burke points out that disputes with the colonies are causing Britain to become "distracted" from its political and economic goals. Those goals not only include peace, order and "repose" but also imperial strength and integrity. Burke appeals to the British desire for colonial expansion, with all the political and economic benefits derived from it. His concern for the well-being of the colonies themselves is rooted solely in the view that the colonies were British by birth and should remain British in character and loyalty. The British colonies were pushing for greater liberty, manifest in self-governance and independence from the Crown. Burke argues that avowing colonial independence will lead to greater trust and further political cohesion between the New and Old Worlds. He criticizes "the labyrinth of intricate and endless negotiations" that Parliament had been engaging in with the colonies."
Abstract This paper discusses Edmund Burke's book, "Reflection on the Revolution in France". It examines the claims of inconsistency against him for opposing it while supporting the American Revolution. The paper also identifies some of Burke's predictions, many of which were borne out by the course of the Revolution.
From the Paper "Edmund Burke was a man who expressed his own mind without regard for anyone else's approval. It was this trait that made his views in "Reflection on the Revolution in France" difficult for those who ..."
Tags: Edmund Burke, Reflection on the Revolution in France, reactionary, predictions, criticisms
Abstract This paper reviews parts of Edmund Burke's speech where he advises England to allow the American colonies their liberty. The paper highlights that this was going against the political beliefs in Britain at the time. The paper then attempts to show that Burke was also showing his intelligence as a leader, philosopher and truly honorable diplomat in this speech.
From the Paper "When Burke states that the British Empire as "an empire so great" he quickly qualifies that by saying the Empire is also "so distracted," a pivotal key to the thrust of his remarks. He knew the British Empire could not possibly sustain all their global holdings, properties, and resources at the level that they once controlled them as a colonial power.
"He admits that even a "genius" would have a hard time keeping the empire together; and he admits to "struggling a good while" until his thoughts began to jell, and he expresses the belief that he has come to a profound grasp of the moment, albeit he is just one man. He uses his customary skillfully crafted rhetoric to cajole the Parliament, saying that if what he is proposing would be "futile or dangerous" or poorly constructed, he wouldn't bother. But bother he does, and will, when it comes to his simple proposition - "peace.""
Tags: colonies, liberty, British, Empire, Revolutionary, War
Abstract This paper examines Martha Burk's demand that the Augusta National Golf Club admit women. It focuses on the role of the media in the conflict and its importance for the golf club management industry.
This paper discusses that the ideas of three Enlightenment philosophers--- Jean-Jacques Rousseau, David Hume and Edmund Burke----which were related to the French Revolution.
Abstract This paper explains that Rousseau, a proponent of equality and freedom, in his "The Social Contract" passionately argued that common consensus should derive each law; whereby the French Revolution saw the end of absolutism in France and the creation of National Assembly, a representative body from among the masses. The author points out that Enlightenment ideas, which were put forth by Hume, furiously attacked religion, especially the Catholic Church, for yielding too much power and spreading falsehoods; whereby, the denouncement of religion is reflected in the French Revolution in the legislation of the "Civil Constitution of the Clergy". The paper relates that, on the other hand, the French Revolution had its critics, such as Edmund Burke, who saw the bloody revolution as corrupt and a threat to traditional establishments.
From the Paper "Edmund Burke also views the National Assembly as a corrupt, impractical body. He believes that the masses are utterly ignorant and for leaders to follow them could be disastrous. Here Burke dismisses Rousseau's idea of the general will as he does not believe the masses are capable of policy making. Burke writes, "In this political traffic, the leaders will be obliged to bow to the ignorance of their followers, and the followers to become subservient to the worst designs of their leaders." Unlike Rousseau, Burke believes that the right to vote should only lie in the educated, property owning class."
