The Philosophy of Rhetoric

Engaging with themes of human communication, Campbell's work aims to establish a universal theory that transcends classical rhetoric by focusing on deep principles of human nature. He emphasizes empirical derivation of communication principles, extending beyond the civic discourse of Aristotle and others. However, his method reveals limitations, as not all statements can be empirically grounded. This gap leads to the inclusion of his theological views, which assert that moral and spiritual truths are divinely revealed, providing a foundation for understanding human nature beyond empirical evidence.