Loving the World Appropriately: Persuasion and the Transformation of Subjectivity

Persuasion is a power that resides in a speaker acting on an audience, and Loving the World Appropriately asks why audiences need persuasion. James Kastely delivers a provocative new history of rhetoric and philosophy, describing it as more than a matter of effective communication and recasting persuasion as a philosophical concern central to notions of human subjectivity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Persuasion is a multifaceted concept that has been the subject of much debate and discussion throughout history. For some, it is seen as a peaceful means of achieving goals and resolving conflicts, while others view it as a tool of manipulation and exploitation. At its core, persuasion is the process of influencing someone's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors through communication.

One of the key questions that arises in the study of persuasion is why audiences need to be persuaded in the first place. Some argue that persuasion is necessary to ensure that people make decisions that are in their own best interests or that benefit society as a whole. Others argue that persuasion can be used to manipulate or control people and that it is inherently unethical.

Persuasion can take many different forms, including verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and visual communication. Verbal communication involves using words to convey a message, while nonverbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, and gestures. Visual communication includes the use of images, videos, and other visual aids to communicate a message.

One of the most important aspects of persuasion is the use of evidence to support one's arguments. This includes using statistics, facts, and examples to demonstrate the validity of one's claims and to convince others of the importance of one's perspective. Evidence can be used to support both rational and emotional appeals, and it can be used to appeal to different types of audiences.

Another important aspect of persuasion is the use of logical reasoning to support one's arguments. This involves using logical principles to evaluate the validity of one's claims and to demonstrate the logical consequences of one's proposed solutions. Logical reasoning can be used to appeal to both rational and emotional audiences and can be used to address a wide range of issues and problems.

Persuasion can also be influenced by a variety of factors, including the personality of the persuader, the nature of the audience, and the context in which the persuasion occurs. For example, people who are high in self-esteem and confidence are more likely to be influenced by persuasive messages, while people who are low in self-esteem and confidence may be more resistant to persuasion. Additionally, the nature of the audience can influence the type of persuasion that is most effective. For example, people who are highly motivated and engaged are more likely to be influenced by persuasive messages that are relevant to their interests and values, while people who are less motivated and engaged may be more resistant to persuasion.

In conclusion, persuasion is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been the subject of much debate and discussion throughout history. While some argue that persuasion is necessary to ensure that people make decisions that are in their own best interests or that benefit society as a whole, others argue that it can be used to manipulate or control people and that it is inherently unethical. Persuasion can take many different forms, including verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and visual communication, and it can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the personality of the persuader, the nature of the audience, and the context in which the persuasion occurs. By understanding the principles of persuasion and how to apply them effectively, individuals and organizations can achieve their goals and improve the world around them.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226822105