Existential Rhetoric: A Summary Philosophy of existence:
The self is the subject; everything is viewed through the self. Hence, everything is subjective. The self can only realize itself in freedom, but freedom is problematic because it leads to guilt and raises questions of responsibility. Individual responsibility is authentic existence.
I. Soren Kierkegaard:
A. Problems:
1. The group is a coward
2. Others are objects.
3. Freedom overwhelms, guilt.
B. The solution: Aesthetic to Ethical to Spiritual.
1. Training the mind = reason.
2. Assessment of values in self = reflection.
3. Making choices, taking responsibility, finding creative powers, taking the
leap of faith.
C. The role of communication.
1. Indirect communication:
2. Edifying discourse, to heal.
II. Jean Paul Sartre:
A. Problems:
1. Covering over with essences.
2. Self deception
3. Slave/master dilemma
B. Solutions:
1. Realize that existence precedes essence.
2. Use persuasive powers to re-create self.
III. Martin Buber and Karl Jaspers:
A. The problem:
1. I - it relationships
2. Inhibitions
3. Distractions
B. The solution:
1. Develop sense of self using reflection:
2. Enter dialogue with an other that is an I-thou
relationship characterized by being:
IV. Martin Heidegger:
A. The Problem:
1. The They
2. Prattle
3. Covering over
B. The Solution:
1. Authentic discourse uncovers truth, truth is Being.
2. Uncover being in self by examining authentic uses of language.
3. Confront anxiety and guilt and death.
4. Find Being behind being by pursuing the courageous path.
V. Conclusions:
A. The key is creativity in the following ways:
1. Creativity enhances a sense of self.
2. Creativity is a reflection of God.
3. Creativity brings others to God.
4. Rhetoric is a creativity activity when authentic and can bring others to a
sense of spirit.
B. The dangers of fleeing from authenticity include:
a. retreating back into the mob.
b. retreating into a believe that the "I" is
supreme (solipsism, dogmatism)
C. On the way to the transcendent: