A rhetorical analysis of

Abstract

The Contract with America (CWA) was rhetorically analyzed to answer the question of how Ludwig Wittgenstein, Aristotle, and Jean Gebser might have reacted to the document based on their philosophies. Wittgenstein's language rule analysis was applied to show that the CWA pretends to play by the "rules" of a contract; implies an authentic dialectic between the Democrats and GOP; and that through the use of language, the CWA creates a "common man" image for the GOP. Analysis using Aristotle focused on structure--arguments, arrangement, and proofs. He would likely have concluded that the CWA is "sophistry, " and would base this on the Contract's lack of structured arguments and proof. The Contract primarily appeals to ethos (to attack ethical character) and pathos. Gebser's analyses of modes of awareness were used to show that the Contract simultaneously manifests all three modes of consciousness--magic, mythic, and mental. He would likely have concluded that democracy is moving backwards, that is, modes of awareness for democracy are returning to mythic and magic modes and, therefore, mentalism (as Gebser uses it to describe rationality) is lacking in the Contract. Wittgenstein, Aristotle, and Gebser's ideas about rhetoric all suggest that democracy is only as good as the degree to which people participate in it and, since there is a lack of participation, democracy will remain image-driven and the country will see more attempts from politicians and parties to deceive the public with rhetorical tools such as the "Contract." As television played an important role in the image of the CWA, future studies should explore the mediating effects of television on interpretations of the Contract.