The Centre for Research in Reasoning, Argumentation & Rhetoric along with the PhD in Argumentation Studies at the University of Windsor invite you to a talk by
Ruairi Porcellini, CRRAR Student Fellow
Fake Quotes, Argument Smuggling, & Epistemic Responsibility
Abstract: This project takes a teleological approach to false or misattributed quotations, analyzing them and categorizing them based on their goals. Particular attention will be paid to a specific genre of fake quote designed to smuggle ideas into communities that would be hostile to the ideas by attributing the quotes to figures said communities are sympathetic to (argument smuggling). This may teach us something interesting about the nature of ethos. Further, drawing on Hannah Arendt's notion of clichés, I will examine how to better understand the problems of short, quippy quotations as an epistemic resource. Finally, I will examine the overall moral-epistemic status of fake quotes.
March 6, 2026
3:00 p.m.
Chrysler Hall North, 1163
All Welcome