| Abstract |
This paper explores the course of thought in the three chapters of “Heaven’s Intention” using Western Rhetoric, i.e., ascertaining possible methods of persuasion for any particular issue. It discovers that the three chapters demonstrate the character of “Heaven” following three steps: the universality and normativity of Heaven, the supremacy and origin of Heaven, and the Heaven’s Intention as universal love. In constructing this argument, rhetorical devices such as paradeigma, enthymeme, and analogical inference are used. Through these steps, “Heaven’s Intention” primarily aims to make “universal love” as a metaphysical moral noumenon by demonstrating the character of “Heaven.” “Heaven’s Intention” is a theoretical system of utilitarianism by divine will. These three steps are not without flaws. Under the Rhetoric requirement to exert our utmost in striving for “self-persuasion,” the course of thought is from “Heaven’s Intention I” to “Heaven’s Intention III” and, at last, to “Heaven’s Intention II” is outlined by eliminating fallacious analogies, distinguishing properly the two meanings “justice” and “politics” of Heaven, and changing the premises that are difficult to verify. |
