Bitzer’s “The Rhetorical Situation”

In Bitzer’s essay, “The Rhetorical Situation”, he aims to persuade his readers that a rhetorical situation must precede a rhetorical discourse.

As specified by Bitzer, he differentiated between reader and audience.  Bitzer stated that an audience is one that “consists only of those persons who are capable of being influenced by discourse and of being mediators of change.”  According to Bitzer, a reader is capable of listening.  Despite this fact, a reader is not capable of change and does not fit the definition of an audience.

I disagree when Bitzer asserts that scientific and poetic discourse is not rhetorical because neither requires an audience to achieve their goals.  I cannot speak much of poetic discourse, however I have spent three years within the computer science major.  During my time in the major, I realize that it is crucial for any researcher to gain adequate funding.  Many times these scientists have aims that they cannot reach due to finance constraints.  Furthermore, scientists may not have a choice in what they are researching.  For instance, funding is sometimes granted when the scientist consents to put forth their efforts towards a particular subject matter.  For these reasons, not all scientists can achieve their goals simply because of their knowledge.  Without the consent and agreement of the audience, this sometimes is impossible.  Oftentimes, the audience has the decision whether they will give the situation a opportunity for change.

Furthermore, Bitzer states that both scientific and poetic discourse is not rhetorical because neither group is intended to bring change.  I also disagree with this statement as many scientists research for change, such as a change in breast cancer, or even a significant change in technology that would benefit society.  A poet might be writing for change – what of the writer who dedicates their work to political activism and for change?