On the use of fictionality for persuasion and pedagogy

Abstract

<p>Fictionality is regularly used for rhetorical purposes but has been rarely studied, except as it has been used in traditional forms of fiction. This dissertation draws upon rhetorical theory and narrative theory to propose an original analytic framework for isolating and examining the dynamics activated by and peculiar to the employment of fictionality for rhetorical purposes, particularly persuasion and pedagogy. The use of fictionality in ethics thought experiments and business communication textbooks is examined in detail to illustrate this analytic framework.</p>