As several rhetorical scholars have previously critically reviewed works written by philosophers and rhetoricians, and have focused upon their treatment of the concepts of epistemology, ontology, and rhetoric, this study critically examines the epistemology and ontology of George Campbell, eighteenth-century philosopher-rhetorician, and author of the Philosophy of Rhetoric. Campbell's work is interpreted as indicative of an "objectivist" stance consistent with the position of twentieth-century scholars such as Cherwitz and Hikins. This objectivist stance embodies four basic tenets: (1) Reality is certain; (2) Reality is independent; (3) Reality is knowable; and (4) Reality is communicable.Although most authors examining Campbell's philosophy have focused upon external connections between Campbell and other philosophers, this study conducts a critical, textcentered analysis of his work. Every statement deemed relevant as indicative of Campbell's objectivist stance is categorized according to the objectivity tenets; passages either directly refer to these tenets, indirectly suggest them, and/or are unclear, requiring assistance from other sources. The findings, taken as a whole, offer sufficient evidence that Campbell's epistemology and ontology were objective. Significant implications arise from this study, which may increase our understanding concerning Campbell's philosophy, his historical context, and terms used in the modern epistemology debate. Moreover, some difficult passages potentially imply inconsistencies in Campbell's objectivist philosophy; subsequent analysis reduces the threat made to this study's claim. In addition, several scholars have made findings which corraborate this study's claim. / Department of Speech Communication
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/183628 |
| Date | January 1988 |
| Creators | Humphrey, Patrick |
| Contributors | Dowling, Ralph E. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | 121 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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