The Notion of Eikos Within Conspiracy Theories. A Rhetorical Analysis.

Lucie Donckier de Donceel

doi:10.4396/SFL2021A10

Lucie Donckier de Donceel

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4396/SFL2021A10

Parole chiave: Conspiracy theories, logical reasoning, rhetoric, likelihood, eikos, judicial, epideictic

Abstract

Based on the analysis of one specific conspiracy theory, this paper will explore, from the rhetorical framework, the antic concept of likelihood [eikos]. Indeed, we believe that the rhetorical approach could allow us, on a larger scale, to (re)question, in the light of contemporary challenges, the complex relationship we have with the notions of rationality and truth. More precisely, to proceed with the rhetorical analysis, we will mobilise two types of logical reasoning: first, “the logic of the pot” argument from pragmatic logic and second, the logic of amplification and poetization of discourse. This will allow us to draw some comparisons between conspiracist speeches and, respectively, the rhetorical genres of judicial and epideictic discourses. The comparisons will be based on the criteria of likelihood, eikos, in order to propose a first definition of this notion in conspiracist discourses.

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