Nowadays, the term ‘rhetoric’ seems to insinuate something meaningless, irrational, or harmful, much like the Platonic views on the concept. However, according to Thomas DeGirolami, there is one perspective on rhetoric that we ought to revisit in our increasingly politically-divided world: Cicero’s. Cicero placed rhetoric within the larger framework of “oratory”, which was the tool for dispersing wisdom to the general public. In a way, oratory was seen as the medium by which philosophy could be deployed to bridge social classes, uphold the law, and keep the public memory alive. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
