Duquesne University Duquesne Scholarship Collection Electronic Theses and Dissertations Fall 2012 On New Rhetoric, John Henry Newman and the Language of Metaphors: Implications for Branding Higher Education Jennifer Lynn Lawler-Brunner Follow this and additional works at: https://dsc.duq.edu/etd Recommended Citation Lawler-Brunner, J. (2012). On New Rhetoric, John Henry Newman and the Language of Metaphors: Implications for Branding Higher Education (Doctoral dissertation, Duquesne University). Retrieved from https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/807 This Immediate Access is brought to you for free and open access by Duquesne Scholarship Collection. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Duquesne Scholarship Collection. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ON NEW RHETORIC, JOHN HENRY NEWMAN AND THE LANGUAGE OF METAPHORS: IMPLICATIONS FOR BRANDING HIGHER EDUCATION A Dissertation Submitted to McAnulty College & Graduate School of Liberal Arts Duquesne University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy By Jennifer Lynne Lawler-Brunner December 2012 Copyright by Jennifer Lynne Lawler-Brunner 2012 ON NEW RHETORIC, JOHN HENRY NEWMAN AND THE LANGUAGE OF METAPHORS: IMPLICATIONS FOR BRANDING HIGHER EDUCATION By Jennifer Lynne Lawler-Brunner Approved November 9, 2012 ________________________________ ________________________________ Dr. Calvin Troup Dr. Janie Harden Fritz Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Associate Professor of Communication Communication (Committee Chair) (Committee Member) ________________________________ ________________________________ Dr. Richard Thames Name of Professor Associate Professor of Assistant Professor of Communication (Committee Member) (Committee Member) ________________________________ ________________________________ Dr. James Swindal Dr. Ronald C. Arnett Dean, McAnulty College and Graduate Chair, Department of Communication and School of Liberal Arts Rhetorical Studies Professor of Philosophy Professor of Communication iii ABSTRACT ON NEW RHETORIC, JOHN HENRY NEWMAN AND THE LANGUAGE OF METAPHORS: IMPLICATIONS FOR BRANDING HIGHER EDUCATION By Jennifer Lynne Lawler-Brunner December 2012 Dissertation Supervised by Calvin L. Troup, Ph.D. This project interprets how John Henry Newman‟s (1801-1890) system of thought informs the philosophical and theoretical grounds for rhetorical praxis in the marketplace. His seminal lessons in An Essay in Aid of a Grammar of Assent (1870) and The Idea of a University (1873 ed.) demonstrate the metaphoric power of words with regard for diverse modes of epistemology. Newman‟s scholarship on the unifying role of imagery grounds his theory of language on three claims: a holistic engagement of knowledge, communicable notions, and formative praxis. These essential principles correspond with fostering identity and promoting a public good. Specifically, Newman‟s philosophical perspective and rhetorical strategies apply to critical marketing issues related to branding Catholic liberal arts education by advancing current trends in integrated marketing communication. iv The first chapter discusses how Newman‟s philosophy of communication responds to the work of his intellectual predecessors spanning classical to new rhetoric. This broad epistemological point of view substantiates the central coordinates for his rhetorical theory based upon the philosophies of history, life, and knowledge. Newman‟s heuristic perspective substantiates this project‟s interpretation of his theory of language as a model for applying new rhetorical strategies to educational systems. In Chapter two, a historical review of 19th century England and the Oxford Movement characterizes the cultural, political climate of Newman‟s day. This chapter identifies diverse philosophical schools of thought in order to understand Newman‟s commitments to new rhetoric within the context of liberal education. Chapters three, four, and five develop the subject matter of metaphor while framing key communication concepts. These sections discuss Newman‟s philosophical foundations and rhetorical practice for communicating figurative language to promote unification amidst diversity. The central terms and core components of his work are interpreted as underpinning the identity of a Catholic liberal arts university. The final chapter suggests how Newman‟s theory of language informs the dominant discourse and modern trends in scholarship relevant to integrated marketing communication. It applies Newman‟s model to challenge contemporary branding issues concerning the rhetoric of twenty-first century educational systems. v DEDICATION To my husband, Timothy And children, William, Ian, and Erica Believe in what is good Persevere each day And always seek truth vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Without the loving support of my husband, Timothy, this achievement would not have been possible. His patience and kind efforts have sustained me. To my children, William, Ian, and Erica, who much prefer calling me “Mother” than “Doctor”, I hope my lack of attention has taught you other life lessons that will also help you to accomplish your dreams. To Hope and Bill, my parents, who have ventured north numerous times rescheduling their own lives to allow me time to study. I am most grateful for your help and the inspiration you continue to provide. To my professors and peers in the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Duquesne University, your friendship has provided me with the laughter and reassurance necessary to keep up the good work. A special thank you to Dr. Calvin Troup for his gentle yet persistent way of challenging my efforts. Your guidance has changed me as a learner, teacher, and scholar. And to my extended family and friends, your constant encouragement and generosity have contributed to successfully completing this project. These words of heartfelt gratitude remain insufficient for recognizing the important role each of you provided in helping me to reach this goal; please know that you were often my light in the darkness. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Abstract ......................................................................................................................... iv Dedication ...................................................................................................................... vi Acknowledgement ......................................................................................................... vii Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1: Newman‟s Philosophy of Communication ................................. 11 A Study in Communication ....................................................................................... 12 A New Epistemological System ................................................................................. 19 Tradition and a Philosophy of History.................................................................... 25 Realism and a Philosophy of Life .......................................................................... 35 Thought and a Philosophy of Knowledge ............................................................... 36 Newmanian Rhetoric .................................................................................................. 42 On New Rhetoric and the Use of Language ............................................................... 44 Chapter 2: Newman‟s Moment ................................................................... 47 The Effects of Enlightenment ..................................................................................... 48 Reform in Liberal Arts Education ............................................................................... 61 An Epistemological Divide in Rhetoric....................................................................... 67 Newman‟s Theory of Language .................................................................................. 74 Rhetorical Reason and Logic ...................................................................................... 77 Chapter 3: Newman on the Language of Knowledge .................................. 81 Fact and Fiction .......................................................................................................... 82 To Know .................................................................................................................... 92 viii Ideas ........................................................................................................................... 95 Unity in Thought, Word, and Action......................................................................... 102 Chapter 4: Newman on Figurative Language.................................................... 109 Definition of Figurative Language ........................................................................... 110 Newman‟s Theory and Use of Metaphor................................................................... 120 Metaphoricity in Grammar .................................................................................... 125 Fiction In Idea ....................................................................................................... 127 A New Rhetorical Practice ....................................................................................... 130 Bridging Scholastic and Ecclesiastic Reality ............................................................