Why Freemasons Must Study Rhetoric

Aug 14, 2024

Why does Freemasonry instruct us to study Rhetoric, one of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences? This ancient discipline, respected by great thinkers throughout history, holds the power to transform not only our communication but our very thought processes.

As Masons, we are called to improve ourselves in all aspects of life - But how does mastering Rhetoric contribute to this journey and what wisdom can we uncover from this timeless art?

In today's fast-paced world, the art of effective communication is more crucial than ever. Yet many of us, Masons included, often overlook the importance of Rhetoric in our personal and professional lives. This oversight leads to missed opportunities for growth, influence, and understanding. Without a grasp of Rhetoric, we may find ourselves struggling to express our ideas clearly, persuade others, or fully understand the messages around us.

Freemasonry, in its wisdom, directs us to study the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences, with Rhetoric being the second to learn. This tradition dates back centuries, recognizing Rhetoric's fundamental role in shaping well-rounded, articulate individuals.

In Masonic education, Rhetoric is seen as a tool for self-improvement, enabling us to express Masonic values clearly and persuasively, and to engage more effectively with both Brothers and the wider world. The emphasis on Rhetoric aligns with our pursuit of truth and our duty to spread light and knowledge. By studying Rhetoric, we equip ourselves to be better leaders, mentors, and representatives of our Craft.

While Freemasonry provides the context for our study of Rhetoric, it's essential to understand the core principles of this ancient art.

But to fully appreciate Rhetoric's role in our Craft, we must first explore what exactly these principles are, and how they have changed over time.

Rhetoric, at its core, is the art of effective or persuasive speaking and writing. Its roots stretch back to ancient Greece, where it was considered a fundamental skill for participation in public life. The study of Rhetoric evolved through Roman times, with speakers like Cicero and teachers like Quintilian expanding its scope and use.

Aristotle, in his important work "Rhetoric," defined it as "the ability to observe in any given case the available means of persuasion." Aristotle proposed that Rhetoric comprises three primary ways of persuasion: ethos, pathos, and logos.

Ethos appeals to the credibility or character of the speaker, establishing their authority on the subject. Pathos targets the emotions of the audience, aiming to evoke feelings that support the speaker's argument. Logos appeals to logic and reason, using facts, statistics, and rational arguments to persuade.

In addition to these modes of persuasion, classical rhetoric recognizes five stages in the rhetorical process. Inventio (Invention) involves discovering arguments and supporting material. Dispositio (Arrangement) focuses on organizing these arguments effectively. Elocutio (Style) deals with the way the argument is presented, including word choice and figures of speech. Memoria (Memory) relates to memorizing the speech, while Pronuntiatio (Delivery) concerns the actual presentation, including gestures and tone of voice.

Now that we've established the basic principles of Rhetoric, it's time to examine their application in Freemasonry. How does our Craft incorporate these concepts into its rituals and ceremonies, and what specific devices are used to convey our teachings?

Freemasonry makes extensive use of stories and symbols to convey its moral and philosophical lessons. The text in our ceremonies employs various rhetorical devices to convey its teachings and principles effectively. Here are some key devices used in our Craft:

Metaphor:
A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using the words "like" or "as", such as how we often speak of the lodge as a "temple of virtue." This comparison elevates our meeting place to a sacred realm, emphasizing its role in moral development.
Simile:
A comparison between two unlike things using the words "like" or "as." Example: "as the sun rules the day, and the moon governs the night, so ought the Worshipful Master rule and govern the lodge." This parallel underscores the Master's vital leadership role.
Alliteration:
The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words. Example: Our journey "from darkness to light" resonates deeply, its repeated sounds echoing the transformative nature of our quest for knowledge.
Hyperbole (hy-per-bol-ee)
An exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. Example: When we say, "May these principles be engraved on your heart for all eternity," we emphasize the lasting importance of Masonic teachings in our lives.
Rhetorical Questions:
Questions asked for effect, to emphasize a point or stimulate thought, rather than to get an answer. Example: "What came you here to do?" This query prompts deep self-reflection on our purpose and goals within the Craft.
Anaphora:
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. Example: We're reminded to act "by square conduct, by level steps, by upright intentions," the repetition reinforcing these crucial Masonic virtues.
Chiasmus:
A rhetorical device in which the second part of an expression is balanced against the first, typically in reversed order. Example: The phrase "We meet upon the level and part upon the square" elegantly captures our commitment to equality and moral rectitude.
Personification:
Giving human characteristics to non-human things or abstract ideas. Example: When we implore, "Like the bleak mountain which bares its brow with dignified composure to every tempest, and fearlessly presents its bosom to the midnight storm". The mountain is given human characteristics of having a forehead and a chest.

As we've seen, Freemasonry employs a variety of rhetorical devices to impart wisdom. However, in the wider world, rhetoric can be used for deceptive purposes. To uphold truth and integrity in discourse, how do we distinguish between constructive and deceptive rhetoric.

In today's digital age, online discourse often falls prey to deceptive rhetorical tactics, either intentionally or due to a lack of critical thinking skills. Learning rhetoric is crucial for identifying and countering these deceptive tactics. By understanding rhetorical devices and logical fallacies, you can quickly recognize when they're being employed.

Here are some common rhetorical devices and logical fallacies that can be used to divert attention from the main argument or manipulate the audience:

Straw man:
Involves misrepresenting or oversimplifying an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack. For example, someone might argue against vegetarianism by claiming all vegetarians believe eating any animal product is immoral, ignoring the various reasons people choose vegetarian diets.
Red herring:
This tactic introduces an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the main issue. In a debate about education policy, bringing up a politician's personal life would be a red herring.
Appeal to emotion:
Involves using emotional manipulation instead of logic to win an argument. Advertisements often use this tactic, showing heartwarming scenes to sell products rather than discussing their merits.
Bandwagon fallacy:
Argues that something is true or right because it's popular. "Everyone is buying this product, so it must be good" is a classic example.
False dichotomy:
Presents only two options when there are actually more. "You're either with us or against us" is a common false dichotomy in political rhetoric.
Slippery slope:
Argues that a relatively small first step inevitably leads to significant and often extreme consequences. "If we allow same-sex marriage, next people will want to marry animals" is a slippery slope argument.
Tu quoque:
Also known as "whataboutism," this responds to criticism by pointing out similar behavior in the accuser. "You can't criticize my environmental policies when you drive a car" is an example.
Appeal to authority:
Uses the opinion of an authority figure as evidence in an argument, even if the authority isn't an expert in the relevant field. Citing a celebrity's opinion on a complex scientific issue would be an appeal to authority.
Hasty generalization:
Involves drawing a conclusion based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence. "I met two rude French people, therefore all French people are rude" is a hasty generalization.
Circular reasoning:
Makes an argument where the conclusion is included in one of the premises. "The Bible is true because it says so in the Bible" is a circular argument.
Ad hominem:
Attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself. "You can't trust his economic policy because he's divorced" is an ad hominem attack.

These devices, when used intentionally to manipulate or unintentionally due to a lapse in critical thought can derail productive discourse and lead to flawed conclusions and is the leading cause of the spread of misinformatin.

Instead of engaging in unproductive debates, you can call out these tactics directly, shifting the conversation to the quality of the argument rather than its content.

For example, when faced with a straw man argument, you might respond, "That's not an accurate representation of my position. Let's focus on what I actually said."

This allows you to steer discussions back to substantive issues and promote more thoughtful, critical engagement with ideas. However in most cases, calling out these behaviors just shuts the conversation down because the other person knows their tricks won't work.

Now we are armed with the knowledge of both constructive methods as well as how to identify and handle deceptive rhetorical techniques, we can now turn our attention to their practical application. How does Freemasonry actively cultivate these skills in its members, and why are they crucial for our development both within and beyond the Lodge?

Freemasonry provides numerous opportunities for developing rhetorical skills. The study of Masonic ritual, including charges and addresses, exposes members to carefully crafted rhetorical compositions that have stood the test of time. By memorizing and delivering these pieces, Masons practice the art of effective oral communication. Proposing and responding to toasts at Festive Boards allows for the application of rhetorical techniques in a more informal setting.

The tradition of Masonic education talks encourages members to research, compose, and deliver speeches on various topics, further honing their rhetorical abilities.

Through these practices, Freemasonry offers a unique environment for continual improvement in the art of rhetoric which is crucial in everyday life.

In professional settings, strong rhetorical skills can lead to more compelling presentations, more persuasive emails, and more effective leadership. Rhetoric also plays a vital role in civic engagement, enabling us to participate more effectively in public discourse and make informed decisions as citizens.