Meaning: Mary Astell, an influential English writer, philosopher, and rhetorician, expressed the purpose of rhetoric in the quote: "The design of Rhetoric is to remove those Prejudices that lie in the way of Truth, to Reduce the Passions to the Government of Reasons; to place our Subject in a Right Light, and excite our Hearers to a due consideration of it." This statement encapsulates the essence of rhetoric as a tool for persuasion, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Rhetoric, as an ancient art and discipline, has been studied and practiced for centuries. It is the art of using language effectively and persuasively, with the goal of influencing an audience. Astell's quote highlights several key aspects of rhetoric and its role in discourse. Firstly, she emphasizes the importance of removing prejudices that obstruct the path to truth. In the realm of rhetoric, this involves addressing and dismantling biases, misconceptions, and preconceived notions that may impede the reception of the intended message.

Furthermore, Astell speaks to the need to temper the influence of emotions and passions, allowing reason to govern and guide individuals in their understanding and evaluation of information. This aligns with the classical understanding of rhetoric as a means of appealing to logos (logic), pathos (emotion), and ethos (credibility) in persuasive communication. By advocating for the governance of reasons over passions, Astell underscores the rational and intellectual dimension of rhetoric.

Astell's assertion that rhetoric aims to place the subject in the right light underscores the role of rhetoric in shaping perception and understanding. Rhetorical strategies such as framing, emphasis, and language choice are employed to present a specific viewpoint or argument in a favorable and compelling manner. This aspect of rhetoric pertains to the art of persuasion and the ability to sway an audience's opinion through skillful communication.

Additionally, Astell emphasizes the role of rhetoric in stimulating the audience to give due consideration to the subject at hand. This speaks to the motivational and engagement-oriented function of rhetoric, as it seeks to prompt listeners or readers to actively contemplate, analyze, and respond to the information presented. In essence, rhetoric serves as a means of provoking thought and promoting critical engagement with ideas and issues.

Mary Astell's quote offers a profound insight into the purpose and potential of rhetoric as a communicative and persuasive tool. Her words underscore the multifaceted nature of rhetoric, encompassing the removal of prejudices, the governance of passions by reason, the presentation of subjects in a favorable light, and the encouragement of thoughtful consideration. In contemporary contexts, the principles outlined by Astell continue to hold relevance, as rhetoric remains integral to public discourse, argumentation, and the art of effective communication.