Rhetorical Analysis Of Can A Liberal Arts Education

In “Can a liberal arts education really make us better?” by Richard Kamber, he argues that even though a liberal arts education can make us better, it depends solely on that person’s definition of better. Now the question on everyone’s mind, “What are liberal arts?” A liberal arts education gives us a general review of humanities, arts, and sciences. Liberal arts are usually delivered in small classes, full of active participants, by “seasoned faculty.” They aim to develop our character and provide us with an immense amount of skills, which ultimately gives us more money. Though often looked down upon, liberal arts have helped shape many great people such as Socrates, Giordano Gentile, Galileo, and Martin Heidregger.
Kamber begins his speech
with a little background information on himself, in the shape of a story. His golf story enlightens us on some of his personal views and leads the way to a much bigger subject. As the speech commences, Kamber seems to contemplate what becoming a better person actually entails. He comes to the conclusion that becoming a better person includes expanding your horizons both individually and academically. Kamber not only recognizes other possible viewpoints but includes evidence that strongly supports the opposing views. Mid-speech Kamber questions Character versus Knowledge. He not only questions which one is more favorable, but which is more beneficial to us. Instead of picking a side, he supports both, but leaves it up to the audience to decide.
Can a liberal arts education really make us better? A liberal arts education influences us to think and contemplate things more than usual, but is that enough. By just giving someone the tools to fix something doesn’t guarantee it will get fixed. Just as liberal arts do not promise a change but they simply empower us to change ourselves.
Though Kamber’s speech is completely unbiased, he indirectly states his opinion a multiple amount of times. Finally as he concludes his speech he restates his question for the umpteenth time and straightforwardly answer his own seemingly rhetorical question with a simple “yes.” He goes on to say that is simply his opinion and of course we can only better ourselves if we are prepared to change. As he ends his speech, Kamber clearly stating his opinion, doesn’t belittle the opposing views any way. His entire speech has a peaceful vibe and unbiased perspective that seems to say “to each their own.”