The Evaluation of Rhetoric

Rhetoric is typically evaluated according to any, usually one, of three criteria--truthfulness, eloquence, and effectiveness. Because Truth pertains to what is already the case, while Rhetoric aims at what is not yet the case, truthfulness is an inadequate criterion. Hitler's murderous plans were no doubt eloquently expressed, so, nor is eloquence an adequate gauge. Likewise for effectiveness. A notion that entails all three is Comprehensiveness. The point of departure of Rhetorical Comprehensiveness is current conditions, which, the more fully accommodated, the more inclusive the audience will be. Likewise, the more expansive the aims of Rhetoric, the more robust will be its language, and, hence, the more inspirational and successful it will prove to be. In other words, the more Comprehensive Rhetoric is, the better it will motivate Individuals to follow it, i. e. the more Evolved it is.