The term “digital” comes with numerous implications and associations. When exploring the digital world, there are several different aspects that come into play. Understanding what “digital” comprises is one of the first steps which I discuss in my blog post “Defining Digital.” Additionally, knowledge of digital literacy, digital rhetoric, and media, along with countless other terms, is also incredibly important. However, the term “digital” goes back to the basic binary code of 1s and 0s. The study of the combination of rhetoric and code is known as procedural rhetoric.
Procedural vs. Digital Rhetoric
Kevin Brock delves into the rhetorical study of code in his book “Rhetorical Code Studies.” Here, he talks about the characteristics of code as well as the rhetorical means and goals of code. According to Bogost, procedural rhetoric is “the practice of using processes persuasively.” Essentially, Bogost argues that code is the process behind digital communication. The persuasion within digital rhetoric is caused by the programming of the code.
Similar Procedures
Similar to code being the process behind digital communication, it can be argued that spoken words are the “code” for oral communication. The words form the processes behind the persuasion. Likewise, the tool chosen for written text conveys a specific meaning. The “code” for written communication is the writing utensil chosen. Each form of communication, whether digital, verbal, written, etc., has a certain process or “code” that lays the foundation for persuasion.
Employing Procedural Rhetoric
It is clear that procedural rhetoric is not only a part of digital rhetoric, but every other form of rhetoric as well. The tool that is used to convey meaning is part of the process behind the overall effect of the message. In other words, procedural rhetoric is employed through every form of communication, even if it is not as distinct or recognizable as the code behind digital rhetoric.
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