Figuring the Topos: Finding Common Ground in Cognitive Environments

Michael Joseph Regier

doi:10.5325/philrhet.57.1.0030

Philosophy & Rhetoric Jun 2024 Open Access

Figuring the Topos: Finding Common Ground in Cognitive Environments

Michael Joseph Regier University of Windsor

Abstract

ABSTRACT Effective communication relies on the use of rhetorical devices and strategies to make ideas present in the minds of an audience. By employing the concept of cognitive environments, we can use the visual analogy of making an idea “present” to its fullest effect, empowering our rhetorical skills and helping influence audience reception. In this article, the author argues that while cognitive environments do indeed provide a significant and important conceptual tool for understanding and anticipating an audience’s experiences, beliefs, and knowledge, a more robust sense of agreement is necessary. The article proposes the concept of a topos that serves as a shared meeting place within cognitive environments within which both author and audience contribute their background assumptions to find common ground and commonalities in interpretations. It is in figuring the topos effectively that cognitive environments can be more accurately and effectively mapped onto each other, and breaches between such environments can be productively bridged.

Journal: Philosophy & Rhetoric
Published: 2024-06-28
DOI: 10.5325/philrhet.57.1.0030
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Topics: rhetorical criticism
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Figuring the Topos: Finding Common Ground in Cognitive Environments

Abstract

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (0)

References (18) · 5 in this index

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