ABSTRACT This essay examines the role of The Intellectual Dark Web (IDW) in current political discourse. Situated within the context of political polarization and declining institutional trust in the United States, this essay incorporates theories from political philosopher Antonio Gramsci and rhetorical critic Kenneth Burke to frame the IDW as central to an ongoing “Battle of Ideas.” The examination of five prominent IDW figures reveals their rhetorical exploits as indicative of Gramsci’s definitions of traditional and “Organic” intellectuals who build identification with their audiences by branding themselves as “reasonable thinkers” and reinforcing dominant narratives of polarization. From a critical-rhetorical perspective, the paper argues that the IDW is a fragmented movement with subversive potential, maintaining hegemony and scattering opportunities for audience empowerment.

中文翻译：

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考虑“另类的感官集体”的目的：对知识暗网的修辞分析

摘要本文探讨了智力暗网（IDW）在当前政治言论中的作用。在美国政治两极分化和机构信任度下降的背景下，本文结合了政治哲学家安东尼奥·葛兰西（Antonio Gramsci）和修辞批评家肯尼思·伯克（Kenneth Burke）的理论，将IDW视为正在进行的“思想战”的核心。对五个著名IDW人物的检查揭示了他们的言辞行为，表明了葛兰西对传统知识分子和“有机”知识分子的定义，这些知识分子通过将自己冠以“合理的思想者”并强化两极分化的主流叙事而建立了与听众的认同感。从批判性修辞的角度来看，这篇论文认为IDW是一个具有颠覆性潜力的支离破碎的运动，