The Rhetorical Way of Knowing and Public Administration

Abstract

This article explores the rhetorical nature and context of public administration. Rhetorical theory, although largely neglected by the field offers much in sight for public administration. A basic understanding of rhetoric and its application reveals some distinctive, legitimating aspects of the profession in practice and theory. It enables one to apprehend important differences among types of knowledge, decision making, and responsibility, and can aid the public administration in its efforts to relate theory to practice.