Rhetoric Review Jul 2019

Ordering the Mind: Reading Style in Hugh Blair

Heather Blain Vorhies University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

Hugh Blair’s rhetorical theory reflects the tenets of New Science, answering the call for communication as the transfer of knowledge from the composer to the audience. Reading Blair on style through the Enlightenment cognitive model of physiological psychology suggests a mutual cognitive associative model. In this model, style is essential, not ornamental, as it limits dissonance in the audience’s cognitive process through perspicuity.

Journal
Rhetoric Review
Published
2019-07-03
DOI
10.1080/07350198.2019.1618155
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Topics
modern rhetorical theory rhetorical criticism
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