The Rhetoric of Motives

The Rhetoric of Motives, a concept by philosopher Kenneth Burke, explores how people persuade others by revealing or implying their underlying motivations. It emphasizes understanding not just what someone says, but why they say it—examining their moral values, beliefs, or desires that influence their communication. This approach helps us see how language shapes perceptions and persuades audiences by connecting messages to shared or personal motives. In essence, it’s about analyzing the reasons behind persuasive speech to better understand the intent and influence behind communication.