The word rhetoric, derived from the Greek noun “rhetor” meaning “speaker,” was once considered the art of verbal persuasion. Up to the late nineteenth century, rhetoric played a prominent role in the western education of orators, lawyers, counselors, historians, statesmen, and poets (Conley 1990). In fact, rhetoric originated in a school of pre-Socratic philosophers, thereby reflecting the intellectual assertions of enlightened minds. In modern society, where business and marketing often take precedence over intellectual integrity, rhetoric is thought of as the misleading ramblings of salesmen attempting to convert potential “leads” into paying customers. As a writer and speaker, it is sad to see rhetoric diminished from its noble roots to a pejorative term that implies style over substance (e.g., “marketing rhetoric”).

• The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science book: https://www.nbtiller.com
• Skeptical Inquirer magazine: https://www.skepticalinquirer.org
• Original article & references: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/ten-health-and-wellness-buzzwords-every-skeptic-should-know/

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