"The Ancient Art of Thinking For Yourself: The Power of Rhetoric in Polarized Times" by Robin Reames
Apr 18, 2024
17:54
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Robin Reames, grew up in a conservative family, discusses the power of rhetoric in navigating polarized times. Topics include the impact of words, historical context of rhetoric, truth perception, fragility of facts in language, and addressing disagreements through shared values.
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Quick takeaways
Rhetoric is a powerful tool in shaping personal relationships and societal debates, impacting perceptions and beliefs.
Ancient views of truth as unveiling, not factual accuracy, highlight how charismatic speakers can influence truth perception.
Deep dives
The Power of Rhetoric in Modern Society
Rhetoric, once a vital skill in education, is now undervalued despite its importance in understanding and navigating today's world of misinformation and political tensions. Author Robin Reims highlights how rhetoric, the art of persuasion, shapes our views, from personal relationships to societal debates. By studying rhetoric, individuals can think more independently and lead more fulfilling lives, challenging traditional beliefs and perceptions.
Evolution of Truth in Rhetoric
Rhetoric's historical role in revealing truths contrasts with modern perceptions of truth as accurate representation. Ancient rhetoricians viewed truth as unveiling rather than factual accuracy, emphasizing the impact of spoken words over written language. This legacy influences contemporary trust in charismatic speakers even when presenting false information, illustrating how rhetoric shapes perceptions of truth.
Value-based Persuasion and Dialogue Improvement
Values, rather than facts, often underpin contentious debates, such as liberty versus safety during the pandemic. Understanding shared values and their application in differing contexts can facilitate better dialogue and mutual comprehension. Echoing ancient rhetorical practices, emphasizing questions of fact over policy can redirect debates towards productive resolutions by exploring nuanced perspectives and encouraging critical thinking.
Robin Reames grew up in a fundamentalist Christian, white, and very conservative family in the Deep South. "Up until about my late adolescence and early adulthood," she says, "I more or less believed that the polarized view of the world that dominated my subculture was true. They are the bad guys. We are the good guys." But things changed when she went away to college and discovered rhetoric. That ancient art ultimately showed her how everything from disagreements with her parents to the polarized politics of our time — and even to the way that we think about truth itself — are propelled by the power of words. Robin, who is now a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, joins us today to share a few key insights from her new book, "The Ancient Art of Thinking For Yourself."
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