Dr. Tallmon and Isaiah McPeak (founder of Ethos Debate) are collaborating on the "Rhetorical Intelligence Project." Rhetorical Intelligence is a species of Practical Wisdom that has to do with understanding the nature of the question at hand, analyzing it fully, and deeply, then responding eloquently and insightfully. Rhetorical Intelligence may be understood relative to "Emotional or Multiple Intelligences." It entails cultivating those intellectual abilities that result from studying, in tandem, dialectical inference and rhetorical reason, which contributes to mental dexterity. This summer seminar is a first foray into presenting these ideas publicly, and Dr. Tallmon will use the experience to put the finishing touches on his forthcoming collection of essays, the New Methodica (each of the essays listed below are included in that volume.)
Essay titles:
· "Toward a Grammar of Rhetorical Reason" (a case study that locates and isolates, in the talk of an actual ethics committee deliberation, the methodology of rhetorical reasoning)
· "Toward a Rhetorical Ethics," examines theoretical implications of the methodology detailed in "Toward a Grammar of Rhetorical Reason" (these are companion essays)
· "Newman’s Contribution to Conceptualizing Rhetorical Reason"
· "Casuistry" from the Oxford Encyclopedia of Rhetoric and its companion piece:
· "Five Facets of Phronesis in Rhetorical Reasoning"
· "Retooling the Topoi" (matters pedagogical)
· "The Thrill is Gone" (on debate)
Anticipated Topics:
· How to cultivate an active thought life.
· Developing mental discipline.
· Reasoning deeply, with precision.
· The relation of grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric to our faith.
· Combining practical wisdom with quick wit and eloquence
Rhetoric: "The Intellectual Love of God"
Who: Life-long (Adult) learners
When: Class begins June 12th and runs through August 14
Cost: $180
Readings: http://www.rhetoricring.com/rhetorical-reasoning/
*This seminar qualifies under the "evidence criteria" of the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Educator Certification process (Educator Marks for Excellence, 2c).