Through its history, there has been a suspicion of rhetoric’s role in building arguments, says philosophy professor Christopher Tindale – a belief it has greater capacity to exploit than to edify. It’s a suspicion he does not share.

“Rhetoric operates as a positive force throughout society, transforming experience in all walks of life,” Dr. Tindale says. “The tools rhetoric brings to the practice and understanding of argumentation are powerful and necessary.”

He will explore some of the ideas that have informed his work in rhetorical argumentation in his free public lecture “Rhetoric’s Presence,” Wednesday, January 25, at 3:30 p.m. in Assumption University’s Freed-Orman Centre.

The event is presented by the Humanities Research Group as part of its Martin Wesley Lecture Series, and will include a reception following the formal program.