How ought we to understand the concept of rhetorical agency? Report from the ARS

TLDR

The discussion of rhetorical agency has evolved from a post‑modern critique to a focus on consciousness and conditions of agency, with scholars recognizing rhetoric as an interpretive theory that includes positions with varying degrees of agency, yet the field still struggles to integrate this understanding into its practical mission. Several developments are worthy of note.

Abstract

Abstract One of the primary discussions at last fall's meeting of the Alliance of Rhetoric Societies addressed the question, "How ought we to understand the concept of rhetorical agency?" Several developments are worthy of note. First, although concern with agency began as a rear guard action against the post‐modern critique, the discussion appears to have shifted to more productive investigations into the consciousness and conditions of agency. Second, a growing number of scholars acknowledge that rhetoric as an interpretive theory describes a variety of rhetorical positions, some with more and some with less rhetorical agency. Rhetoric still faces the issue, however, of incorporating this knowledge into rhetoric's mission as a productive art.