Rhetoric as a lens for bias discovery
Download MP3In this episode, we continue exploring the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences by turning our attention to Rhetoric—not merely as persuasive speech, but as a subtle force that shapes perception, evokes emotion, and reveals unconscious bias.
Through symbolic reflection and modern examples, we investigate rhetoric as a performative function that coexists with grammar and logic. Whether in lodge, online, or in daily life, rhetoric becomes a way to both influence and uncover the internal frameworks that guide our actions and beliefs.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Rhetoric is always operating. Even silence or images can be persuasive communication.
- Bias filters perception. We often respond only to the language that fits our worldview.
- Emotional framing matters. Much of rhetoric’s power lies in its ability to stir feeling, not just convey logic.
💬 Featured Quotes
“You're always being communicated to in some way or another… Your own biases, for example, [are] screening only the words that you relate to or don't relate to.” — [00:02:31]
“That is all people trying to evoke a certain type of response… a slow boil towards some level of action.” — [00:03:08]
“Rhetoric… is the ability to convey information in a way that stimulates productive argument.” — [00:00:15]
“There is a sort of rhetorical analysis function… when you're sitting there scrolling through your phone—that’s all rhetoric.” — [00:02:52]
🔗 Explore Related Episodes
🎧 Ep. 53 – Mastery Continued: Agency through Language and Social Skills
Explores vocabulary, framing, and social interaction as key tools in shaping influence and reducing misunderstanding.
Explores vocabulary, framing, and social interaction as key tools in shaping influence and reducing misunderstanding.
🎧 Ep. 35 – Reclaiming Emotional Sovereignty
Focuses on emotional self-awareness and the subtle cues that shape our decisions—closely tied to rhetoric’s emotional layer.
Focuses on emotional self-awareness and the subtle cues that shape our decisions—closely tied to rhetoric’s emotional layer.
🎧 Ep. 54 – The Trowel: When Is Care Appropriate?
Considers the ethics and timing of expression, asking when persuasive or caring speech is symbolically appropriate.
Considers the ethics and timing of expression, asking when persuasive or caring speech is symbolically appropriate.
Creators and Guests
Host
Brian Mattocks
Host and Founder of A Mason's Work - a podcast designed to help you use symbolism to grow. He's been working in the craft for over a decade and served as WM, trustee, and sat in every appointed chair in a lodge - at least once :D
