Consequent: A Rhetorical Device

Consequent: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology:

The term “consequent” traces its roots to Latin and Middle English, ultimately evolving from the Latin word “consequi,” meaning “to follow” or “to result from.” In the Middle English period, it took the form “consequent,” retaining its fundamental sense of following or succeeding. The term has persisted through linguistic evolution, maintaining its core meaning of something that logically follows or results from a preceding condition or statement.

Literal and Conceptual Meanings:

• Literal Meaning:
  • Refers to the part of a conditional statement that comes after the “then” clause.
  • In logic, specifically in conditional propositions, it denotes the conclusion or outcome that follows if the antecedent is true.
• Conceptual Meaning:
  • Signifies a logical outcome or result of a preceding action, event, or premise.
  • In rhetoric, it may encompass the inferred consequences or implications intended to support a persuasive argument.
  • Extends beyond formal logic to denote a natural progression or result in various contexts, reflecting cause-and-effect relationships.

The term “consequent” thus encapsulates both a specific logical function, particularly in conditional statements, and a broader conceptual usage in discussions involving logical outcomes or inferred consequences.

Consequent: Definition as a Rhetorical Device

“Consequent” as a rhetorical device refers to the strategic presentation of logical outcomes or consequences to support a persuasive argument. It involves articulating the expected results or implications that follow from a given premise or line of reasoning. This rhetorical technique aims to strengthen the persuasiveness of an argument by emphasizing the logical and anticipated results tied to the audience’s acceptance of a particular point.

Consequent: Types and Examples

Type of Consequents	Description	Example
Logical Consequents	Directly follows from a stated premise or condition, adhering to formal logic.	If it rains (premise), then the ground will be wet (logical ).
Rhetorical Consequents	Emphasizes persuasive outcomes or implications to support an argument.	If we invest in renewable energy (premise), then we contribute to a sustainable future (rhetorical ).
Social Consequents	Addresses societal implications or results that may arise from a proposed action or idea.	If education is prioritized (premise), then society benefits from informed citizens (social).
Emotional Consequents	Focuses on the emotional impact or consequences tied to a particular course of action or belief.	If we ignore climate change (premise), then future generations will suffer (emotional).

These types of consequents demonstrate the versatility of the term across logical, rhetorical, social, and emotional contexts, showcasing its applicability in various forms of discourse.

Consequent: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Logical Consequents:
   • If you press the accelerator (premise), then the car will move forward (logical consequent).
2. Rhetorical Consequents:
   • If we prioritize mental health awareness (premise), then we contribute to a society that values well-being (rhetorical consequent).
3. Social Consequents:
   • If communities promote recycling (premise), then there will be a reduction in environmental pollution (social consequent).
4. Emotional Consequents:
   • If you express gratitude (premise), then you will likely experience increased feelings of happiness (emotional consequent).
5. Logical Consequents:
   • If you water the plants regularly (premise), then they will grow and flourish (logical consequent).
6. Rhetorical Consequent:
   • If individuals practice empathy (premise), then society becomes more compassionate and understanding (rhetorical consequent).
7. Social Consequents:
   • If a community invests in education (premise), then it will likely experience economic and cultural growth (social consequent).
8. Emotional Consequents:
   • If you spend quality time with loved ones (premise), then you will strengthen your emotional bonds (emotional consequent).
9. Logical Consequents:
   • If you save money consistently (premise), then you will accumulate wealth over time (logical consequent).
10. Rhetorical Consequents:
    • If people adopt sustainable living practices (premise), then the planet will benefit from reduced environmental impact (rhetorical consequent).

These examples illustrate how consequent scenarios are embedded in everyday situations, reflecting logical, rhetorical, social, and emotional outcomes based on specific actions or beliefs.

Consequent in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W. D. Ross, Oxford University Press, 2009.
2. Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1961.
3. Carroll, Lewis. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Penguin Books, 2003.
4. Descartes, René. Meditations on First Philosophy. Translated by Donald A. Cress, Hackett Publishing Company, 1993.
5. Fish, Stanley. Is There a Text in This Class? The Authority of Interpretive Communities. Harvard University Press, 1980.
6. Orwell, George. 1984. Signet Classic, 1961.
7. Plato. Phaedrus. Translated by Benjamin Jowett, Project Gutenberg, 2008.
8. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Jenkins, Arden Shakespeare, 1982.
9. Toulmin, Stephen. The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press, 2003.
10. Wimsatt, W. K., and Monroe C. Beardsley. “The Intentional Fallacy.” The Sewanee Review, vol. 54, no. 3, 1946, pp. 468–488.