The History of Chinese Rhetoric

The book explores the existence of persuasive discourse and rhetorical techniques in ancient China, highlighting the Mandate of Heaven as a central concept in Chinese rhetoric. It demonstrates Chinese rhetorical wisdom by extracting concepts and terms from literary works, revealing surprising facts about the history and culture of China.

Format: Hardback
Length: 148 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In ancient China, persuasive discourse and rudimentary rhetorical techniques were already well-established, as evidenced by various historical sources. Public speeches during the Xia dynasty, oracle bone inscriptions from the Shang dynasty, and public debates about government policies during the Han dynasty showcase the existence of these rhetorical practices.

The Mandate of Heaven, an essential concept in Chinese rhetoric, played a central role in shaping Chinese thoughts and expressions for centuries. It was believed that the emperor held the divine right to rule and that his authority was derived from the heavens. This belief was intricately woven into Chinese rhetoric, influencing the way people communicated and expressed their ideas.

Chinese rhetorical wisdom is evident in the rich tapestry of Chinese literary works, which contain numerous concepts and terms related to language expression, persuasive speech, morality and virtue, life and philosophy. By extracting these concepts and terms from these great works, the author demonstrates the depth and richness of Chinese rhetorical tradition.

Throughout the book, the author uncovers many surprising facts and insights that shed light on the evolution of Chinese rhetoric and its significance in Chinese culture. These findings provide a fresh perspective on the history and development of Chinese language and thought.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the ancient Chinese rhetorical tradition, providing ample evidence to show its existence and significance. It demonstrates Chinese rhetorical wisdom by extracting concepts and terms from great Chinese literary works and revealing surprising facts about the evolution of Chinese rhetoric. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of language, culture, and history.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032072739