ABSTRACT
Philosophical rhetoric enables us to see philosophy and rhetoric stand together inseparably in a dynamic and unstable equilibrium. From traditional rhetoric the philosophical takes the concepts of persuasion and influence; from philosophy, the concept of an independent truth. The writings of each thinker point to a truth, though perhaps not a truth which can be expressed in straightforward philosophical prose. In that sense these writers and writings, with the possible exception of Kierkegaard, break with the "logocentric" philosophical rhetoric which pervades many of the central texts of philosophy. Philosophical writing takes place in a context of persuasion to the truth. The audiences are to be persuaded that such and such a view or thesis is true. The tropical style in philosophy is one of heightened self-awareness. In it the authors find the distancing techniques which allow and invite the audience to perform a radical reflection upon itself.
