Implicit Rhetoric

Implicit Rhetoric examines the implications of Kenneth Burke's concept of entelechy, the most transcendent term in Burke's philosophical system. The author discusses Burke's ideas on the existence of 'implicit' rhetoric which goes against Aristotle's view that rhetoric includes an essentially 'explicit' view of criticism. He begins with an introduction to the concept of entelechy, discussing the different aspects drawn from Burke's philosophy as well as how it relates to everyday and extraordinary issues, and discusses subjects including prayer and the issues surrounding the crisis that took place in Waco, Texas as applications of the entelechy concept.