Week 3: In Defense of Rhetoric

'In Defense of Rhetoric' 

(via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYMUCz9bHAs&feature=youtu.be&hd=1)

The purpose of this video was to dispel the common misunderstandings that surround rhetoric, the study of rhetoric and purpose of rhetoric in everyday life.

The video highlights how we use rhetoric every day, mostly without even being aware that is what it is. The way in which we choose to speak so that people understand, believe or agree with us is rhetoric. Advertising and the way in which public relations firms craft effective messages is rhetoric. The way in which we use technology; choosing a browser, editing photos or webpages are all chosen means of persuasion and therefore rhetorical choices.

The video also places emphasis on the fact that rhetoric is epistemic, therefore it creates perceptions, our understanding of the physical and the place that we hold within it. This works to highlight the vital role which rhetoric has in our lives.

Rhetoric as a study helps students to develop the skill of creating and interpreting messages effectively. Rhetoric is often misjudged as the art of deception however this video works to successfully dispel such scepticism. ‘In Defense of Rhetoric’ effectively explains how the ancient art of rhetoric is still present, applied and commonplace in the modern world.