Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

The Ancient Art of Thinking For Yourself

ebook
How rhetoric—the art of persuasion—can help us navigate an age of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and political acrimony
The discipline of rhetoric was the keystone of Western education for over two thousand years. Only recently has its perceived importance faded. 
In this book, renowned rhetorical scholar Robin Reames argues that, in today’s polarized political climate, we should all care deeply about learning rhetoric. Drawing on examples ranging from the destructive ancient Greek demagogue Alcibiades to modern-day conspiracists like Alex Jones, Reames breaks down the major techniques of rhetoric, pulling back the curtain on how politicians, journalists, and “journalists” convince us to believe what we believe—and to talk, vote, and act accordingly. Understanding these techniques helps us avoid being manipulated by authority figures who don’t have our best interests at heart. It also grants us rare insight into the values that shape our own beliefs. Learning rhetoric, Reames argues, doesn’t teach us what to think but how to think—allowing us to understand our own and others’ ideological commitments in a completely new way.   
  
Thoughtful, nuanced, and leavened with dry humor, The Ancient Art of Thinking for Yourself offers an antidote to our polarized, post-truth world.  

Expand title description text
Publisher: Basic Books

Kindle Book

  • Release date: March 19, 2024

OverDrive Read

  • ISBN: 9781541603981
  • Release date: March 19, 2024

EPUB ebook

  • ISBN: 9781541603981
  • File size: 5784 KB
  • Release date: March 19, 2024

Loading
Loading

Formats

Kindle Book
OverDrive Read
EPUB ebook

Languages

English

How rhetoric—the art of persuasion—can help us navigate an age of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and political acrimony
The discipline of rhetoric was the keystone of Western education for over two thousand years. Only recently has its perceived importance faded. 
In this book, renowned rhetorical scholar Robin Reames argues that, in today’s polarized political climate, we should all care deeply about learning rhetoric. Drawing on examples ranging from the destructive ancient Greek demagogue Alcibiades to modern-day conspiracists like Alex Jones, Reames breaks down the major techniques of rhetoric, pulling back the curtain on how politicians, journalists, and “journalists” convince us to believe what we believe—and to talk, vote, and act accordingly. Understanding these techniques helps us avoid being manipulated by authority figures who don’t have our best interests at heart. It also grants us rare insight into the values that shape our own beliefs. Learning rhetoric, Reames argues, doesn’t teach us what to think but how to think—allowing us to understand our own and others’ ideological commitments in a completely new way.   
  
Thoughtful, nuanced, and leavened with dry humor, The Ancient Art of Thinking for Yourself offers an antidote to our polarized, post-truth world.  

Expand title description text