"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"

Mary Astell emphasizes the true purpose of rhetoric as a tool for intellectual clarity and ethical persuasion, not mere manipulation. She identifies several vital goals for the effective use of rhetoric. The first is the removal of prejudices that obstruct the recognition of truth. Prejudices, in this context, are the biases and preconceived notions that individuals often harbor, which cloud objective assessment. Astell implies that a rhetorician should work to dispel these mental blockades, enabling the audience to apprehend truth without distortion.

Furthermore, Astell highlights the necessity of subordinating the passions to reason. Passions, emotions or feelings, can often overpower rational judgment, leading to decisions based on impulse rather than thoughtful analysis. Astell calls for the government, or governance, of passions by reason, suggesting that effective rhetoric disciplines emotional impulses and channels them in service of reasoned judgment. Rather than arousing unchecked emotion, rhetoric is meant to bring emotional responses in line with logical deliberation, ensuring that decisions and beliefs are formed through reflection and rationality.

Clarity is another central aim identified by Astell, who underscores the importance of placing the subject “in a right light.” This means presenting the topic in a manner that is both accurate and understandable, so the audience can truly grasp its significance. Rhetoric, therefore, is not about obfuscating issues or dazzling with empty eloquence but about illuminating the subject for careful consideration.

Lastly, Astell points to the activation of thoughtful engagement, exciting “our Hearers to a due consideration” of the subject. The orator’s responsibility is to inspire the audience to attentive and respectful contemplation, prompting them to weigh the argument judiciously. In sum, Astell’s view elevates rhetoric to an ethical practice dedicated to intellectual honesty, rational self-control, and the purposeful engagement of listeners with truth.