Seminar 14: Post Truth Rhetorics

Leaders: Scott Sundvall (Florida International University), Sergio Figueiredo (Kennesaw State University) and Jason Crider (Texas A&M University)

Everyday examples of post-truth continue to abound: conspiracy theorization; the undermining of institutions of knowledge production; and violent resistance to democratic processes. Critical analysis of, and resistance to, these various instantiations of post-truth do not resolve the underlying question of how they are rhetorically effective. That these instantiations of post-truth can be simultaneously understood as falsities (or not truths with fidelity, at least) and yet also as widely believed presents both a conceptual double-bind and a practical, rhetorical opportunity. This seminar seeks to tackle such a charge. Far from an attempt to further gentrify truth, this seminar examines how scholars and teachers of rhetoric can reappropriate the gentrification of (post-)truth to do real work in the world. Across six half-day sessions, participants will be offered (1) orientations for understanding post-truth, (2) distinctions and overlaps between conspiracy theory and post-truth practices, (3) modes of comprehending how post-truth works in DIY health, (4) approaches for understanding how post-truth affects public education, (5) methods for discerning the rhetorical effects of post-truth on socio-political policy deliberations, and (6) tactics and strategies for re-appropriating post-truth. During the seventh and final session, participants will be invited to participate in a collaborative project developed through the seminar with the intent of submit to the Rhetorics for All repository within a year of the seminar.

Note from the organizers:
As per previous workshops, there may be pre-reading and pre-work required before June. Your leaders will reach out to you some time after registration with additional details.

There will be no A/V equipment available in this seminar. The seminar leaders encourage participants to bring charged devices with their preferred hardware and software pre-loaded, especially for any participants who have accessibility needs. You should indicate any accessibility needs on your registration form.