Ku klux klan Quote by Stephen R.C. Hicks
““This explains the harsh nature of much postmodern rhetoric. The regular deployments of ad hominem, the setting up of straw men, and the regular attempts to silence opposing voices are all logical consequences of the postmodern epistemology of language. Stanley Fish, as noted in Chapter Four, calls all opponents of racial preferences bigots and lumps them in with the Ku Klux Klan.[292] Andrea Dworkin calls all heterosexual males rapists[293] and repeatedly labels “Amerika” a fascist state.[294] With such rhetoric, truth or falsity is not the issue: what matters primarily is the language’s effectiveness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Counterfeit Revolution, 2019
Postmodern rhetoric often replaces truth with persuasive language, using tactics like ad hominem and straw‑man arguments, which undermines genuine discourse.
In simple terms: Language can be weaponized over truth.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize logical clarity over rhetorical flair.
Themes
rhetoric
truth
postmodernism
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- media analysis
- public policy
- online forums
Key Concepts
logical fallacies
epistemology
speech act theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we distinguish persuasive from truthful arguments?
- What standards should guide public discourse?
A Different Perspective
Effective rhetoric can still mislead if not critically examined.
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