LANHAM'S BUILT-IN PHILOSOPHY
The theory about oscillation between rhetoric and philosophy is not itself affected by any oscillation between "at" and "through." Rather, Lanham's theory appears to be pure philosophy, attempting to enshrine an "unchanging and non-negotiable secular truth." Indeed, he specifically refers to the complexity of the bi-stable decorum as something that has always been. Elsewhere, he asserts that the "Strong Defense [of rhetoric] . . . holds the greatest promise of enduring effectiveness." In this way, Lanham potentially undermines his own criticism of the "Edenic view."
Oh, my God. It can't be true. Is he . . . is he, D--!?
DID HE REALLY SAY, "has always been"?
DID HE REALLY SAY, "Strong Defense [of rhetoric] . . . holds the greatest promise of enduring effectiveness"?
What sayeth the good prince of Denmark? (Dig this)