Chapter 11

Bentham on rhetoric

Bentham’s “Book of Fallacies” (1824) presents itself as a form of rhetorical self-defence. The author insists that the fallacies are invariably used as counter-arguments, blocking political reform and preventing social progress. He claims that the use of such paralogical techniques is a sure sign of corruption. However, he denies the efficacy of such rhetorical arguments, insisting that only the weak-minded and ignorant are likely to be persuaded. A comparison of the “Book of Fallacies” with his “Anarchical Fallacies” shows that his own preferred mode of argument is analytic and atomist rather than rhetorical.

Bentham expressed radical views on contentious subjects of public importance. His proposals are still widely discussed in academic circles, but were rarely taken up by posterity. His wholesale denunciation of rhetoric in all its forms may appear irrational; however, if he believed that his ideas were rejected for purely fallacious reasons, then his attitude may be explained as a reluctant recognition of the power of rhetoric over reason.