Logical Function Of Rhetorical Questions

"Rhetorical question" is an important cross-cultural linguistic phenomenon.There have been countless related studies,most of which focus on RQ’s pragmatic function,semantic feature,and syntactic structure;few,however,on its argumentative function,and fewer still on its logical function in light of "enthymeme/rhetorical syllogism",the core of Aristotle’s logos(logical appeal).This paper,based on the incompleteness and probability features of "enthymeme",attempts to systematically explore the concrete ways and the generating mechanism of RQ’s argumentative function,via examining the RQ-rich masterpiece,Liu Xie’s Wen Xin Diao Long(WXDL).Regarding the essentials of RQ,most domestic researchers have given their own definitions and classifications,but lacked adequate association with the Western rhetorical tradition.This inquiry,through examining the representative definitions from both Chinese and Western rhetorical traditions and analyzing the typical RQs in WXDL,defines rhetorical question as "a question requiring no answer other than suggesting and implying persuasive propositions".As to classification,Chinese and Western rhetorics also have their own traditions.Considering that this thesis investigates the data of the Chinese classic Wen Xin Diao Long,we adopt the four RQ types frequently employed by Chinese scholars:yes-no RQ,wh-RQ,alternative RQ and X-no-X RQ.Enthymeme is closely related to RQ.Equipped with Aristotle’s theory of rhetorical syllogism,and following Yuan(2006)on types of enthymeme,this paper recognizes enthymeme’s six incomplete forms:omitting major premise;omitting minor premise;omitting conclusion;omitting both major premise and conclusion;omitting both minor premise and conclusion;omitting both major premise and minor premise.On this basis,the omission or deduction types of WXDL RQs are investigated.The RQ data,according to the purposive sampling in qualitative research,are selected from five representative texts in Wen Xin Diao Long:"On Tao,the Source"(《原道》,Ch.I),"Literary Flaws"(《指瑕》,Ch.XLI),"The Physical World"(《物色》,Ch.XLVI),“An Understanding Critic”(《知音》,Ch.XLVIII)and "The Capacity of a Vessel"(《程器》,Ch.XLIX).Ten typical rhetorical questions are chosen to be analyzed enthymematically in the context.The sample analyses reveal that there are two types of RQs in Wen Xin Diao Long:yes-no RQ and wh-RQ,of which the latter is more closely related to Aristotle’s enthymeme.These RQs reflect three enthymematic forms:the first one with major premise implied,minor premise expressed,and conclusion suggested;the second one with major premise suggested,minor premise expressed,and conclusion implied;the third one with both major premise and conclusion implied,and minor premise suggested.Further,it is discovered that the RQ enthymeme achieves strong deductive functions:the major premise is generally an implied or suggested assumption,which is common sense or opinion acceptable to both the speaker and audience involved;the minor premise always provides a solid argument;the conclusion suggests or implies a claim,which is usually an assertion.Moreover,RQ’s logical functions are meanwhile accompanied by salience of the suggested assumption or assertion transformed from the question itself,strengthening the key information as well.With this close examination of WXDL rhetorical questions,we discover that enthymeme is a highly effective instrument for interpreting RQ’s argumentative mechanism.This investigation can not only provide reference for broadening RQ research scope and revolutionizing its research method,but also verify and even enrich Aristotle’s notion of "enthymeme",so as to promote the exploration and application of core Western rhetorical concepts.