A Toulmin analysis of John C. Calhoun's use of logical proof as a means of audience adaptation

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1969

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Abstract

Many apparent inconsistencies and contradictions surround history"s record of the life of John Caldwell Calhoun. During his political career, he made a complete reversal in his philosophy of the powers of the Federal Government. This radical switch from nationalist to sectionalist forced his opposition to those issues which he had earlier advocated. Yet in spite of this radical shift, he consistently maintained the reputation of a great logician. This study investigates how Calhoun was able to be inconsistent, politically, and logical, rhetorically. The Toulmin construct for reasoning, which is used in this study, enables the critic to chart changes in Calhoun"s logical appeals. The issue of internal improvements crystallizes the dichotomy of Calhoun, the inconsistent, and Calhoun, the logician. Hence, this study investigates his three major speeches on this subject. Support for the thesis entails three major areas of analysis—an examination of Calhoun"s political philosophies and his position on internal improvements, an analysis of the three audiences under consideration, and an analysis of his speeches on this issue.

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