Bertrand Russell‟s Art of Persuasion: A Rhetorical Analysis of Selected Essays

Abstract

The research paper inquires how Russell develops his arguments to seek acquiescence of audiences. On the foundation of the New Rhetoric developed by Chaïm Perelman and Lucie. Olbrechts-Tyteca, the research investigates how Russell maneuvers the facts, values and ideas in the essays under study to seek meeting of minds – of audience and the speaker. The study argues that Russell adheres to dialectical reasoning in developing the arguments not on demonstrative arguments like in mathematics. The research concludes that Russell’s essays succeed in persuading his audiences because of his way of delivering ideas through building incompatibilities, examples, dissociating ideas and not to mention knowing his audience well.