Abstract

Demagoguery is a subject of much discussion around the world in light of recent international political affairs. But since demagoguery remains a contested term, the definition invites continued deliberation as rhetoricians grapple with its usefulness, persistence, and presence in world affairs, and as they consider what, if anything, to do about it. Building from Aristotle’s famously imprecise definition of demagoguery and from contemporary definitions that locate demagoguery in culture not in a specific speaker, this essay argues that demagogic rhetoric necessarily incorporates arguments, topoi, and evidence that attack and attempt to undermine the legitimacy of democratic institutions. Specifically, demagogic rhetoric hyperextends or supercharges direct democracy by amplifying “the will of the people” to undermine the constraining functions of democratic institutions.

Journal
Rhetoric Society Quarterly
Published
2019-05-27
DOI
10.1080/02773945.2019.1610639
Open Access
Closed

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Philosophy & Rhetoric
  2. Rhetoric Society Quarterly

Cites in this index (2)

  1. Rhetoric Society Quarterly
  2. Rhetoric Society Quarterly
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