Abstract

This article examines the rhetoric of Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump through a psychoanalytic reading of the Aristotelian enthymeme to highlight how conspiracy theories are underwritten by an absence that appeals to the desires and fantasies of audiences. It explores how conspiracy theories that seem irrational are often highly successful enthymematic appeals designed to capitalize on the suasive qualities of libidinal satisfaction, or jouissance. Instead of dismissing them, scholars should embrace an expanded theory of conspiracist discourse that accounts for the role of satisfaction in determining which claims audiences find convincing.

Journal
Rhetoric Review
Published
2024-01-02
DOI
10.1080/07350198.2023.2286141
Open Access
Closed

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

  1. Rhetoric Review

Cites in this index (3)

  1. Philosophy & Rhetoric
  2. Computers and Composition
  3. College English
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  10. “Occultatio in Cicero’s Speeches
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