Andrew Linzey's article for AV Magazine, "Why Animals Deserve Special Moral Solicitude", displays the form of a classical oration, as discussed in Winterowd's argument "Dispositio: The Concept of Form in Discourse." The classical oration, made up of the "exordium to gain the audience's attention, narratio to state the speaker's case, confirmatio to prove that case, reprehensio to refute the opponent's case and peroratio to sum up" (Winterowd 40). According to Winterowd, having this arrangement creates a form that ultimately can help to create meaning. Linzey's article takes shape in the matrix of these devisions. His exordium, the hook he uses to gain the readers attention frames the article almost as a court case- asking whether it is morally repugnant to deliberately inflict suffering. Further, he states his case with the attributes of animals- "Non-consenting, inarticulate, innocent, and vulnerable beings deserve special moral solicitude" (Linzey 8). He further proves the case- confirmatio- by authorizing his statements through theological sources. In perhaps his most compelling argument, he refutes those who argue for animal testing with the question of whether the ends (of animal testing) justify the means (of animal suffering) (Linzey 9). He ultimately concludes his argument against animal testing by having changed the question; he moves from "is animal testing acceptable?" to the much more difficult "can you justify the moral repugnance that is animal testing for your own interests?" Linzey's demonstrates a clear use of the classical oration organization. In this, he creates a strong argument with a very clear persuasive purpose.
For my historical-analysis, I would like to examine the activity of reading. Information is available at an unprecedented ease: databases allow instant access to almost any article, classic literature is available online, authors can interact with readers immediately (as a recent Twitter conversation with one of my favorite authors recently proved). However, libraries are seeing a decline in use and bookstores are bemoaning the lack of sales, and (according to a poll of my floor lounge) the time students previously used to read for pleasure is being eclipsed by other, largely internet based, activities. In the information age, I'd like to examine the decline in the activity of reading for pleasure and how this act has changed, both between classes and between generations. I would be arguing that the decline or change in reading is a relatively current and unprecedented phenomenon. The most compelling genre to argue this in may be upon the issue of conflicting ideals- similar to Kaufer's conflict levels.
What an interesting topic! One thing to consider might be how libraries change their resources available to suit the needs of modern readers (things that can be borrowed for a Kindle or Nook, more online databases). I would research very carefully which libraries see a decline in use and exactly what part of their resources are seeing less use. (Sorry, my mom and best friend both work at libraries, so this topic brings out excitement in me!)
ReplyDeleteThe speed of reading discourse has changed greatly, as well, as you noted. I am wondering whether Winterowd's "Dispositio" would be helpful, as one way to approach this topic might be to examine the forms that newer readings (especially online ones) take. The concept of the "matrix" in the article seems like a useful theoretical concept.
I'm really excited to see your final project!