Parrhesia is a rhetorical device derived from the Greek word for frankness, referring to free speech seeking truth. It can be used positively or negatively, with direct language attempting to change beliefs. It is often used by religious zealots or activists. The speaker’s opinion is inherent, and faith is important. It contrasts with evidence-based truth-seeking.
The rhetorical device of parrhesia derives from the classical Greek word for bombastic frankness—saying all that needs to be said so that no doubt remains. Literally meaning “freedom of speech” or “say it all”, this term refers to speaking or writing that is inherently free to seek the ultimate truth in a sea of whispered lies and conflicting stories. When the term originated in the early dawn of Western philosophy, Greek citizens known to speak the truth were said to do so with parrhesia. They were called the parrhesiasts.
Parrhesia often refers to more than free speech, but lacks delicacy. Direct, deadpan language is used in an attempt to get to the heart of the listener’s beliefs and change them immediately. It can be assumed that parrhesia is applied rhetorically by a highly logical individual with moral goals, but negative parrhesia is a possibility when the speaker decides to release her thoughts in a free form, without organization and forethought. Many well-known philosophers of the time, such as Plato, condemned this rant unreservedly as a negative influence on actual freedom of speech.
The opinion of the speaker of parrhesia is often immediately known, at least in general. Modern examples include religious zealots railing against sin in bar districts, or an activist group leader who must immediately and passionately brief a group on his group’s cause. Although politicians and businessmen often use parrhesia as a rhetorical device, it is more common to be in concert with other, more subtle devices.
The concept of Parrhesian speaking is mainly classical; the idea can be found in a number of ancient Greek philosophical or literary works. There was the negative, more pejorative sense of the word: anyone complaining about something in public, and the more prevalent, positive usage style. In both cases, the speaker attempted to tell the truth and not sugarcoat anything.
Faith is an important part of this device. Since the speaker is attempting to state what he thinks is true, opinion is inherent. All who listen know that the words are the personal beliefs of the speaker. This style of discourse is best juxtaposed with the more evidence-based forms of truth-seeking that are credited to the Cartesian school of thought that followed the philosophy of Rene Descartes. In parrhesia, by contrast, the speaker seems to know only that the ground he stands on is solid.
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