Dr. Haixia Lan will initiate the English Department's 2014-2015 William J. and Yvonne Hyde Colloquium Series with a presentation entitled "Rhetorics, Truths, and Writings Cross Cultures." What is the function or goal of rhetoric? Does it negate truth? Or, is the rhetorical art merely a conduit, a tool that is completely neutral? Any effort to compare and contrast rhetorical activities cross-culturally compels us to reflect upon these questions regarding why we have rhetoric as well as which rhetoric we are comparing and contrasting. In this presentation, Dr. Lan argues that Aristotle and Laozi see rhetoric as both constructing and discovering truths as we know truths. Given that their views of truths bear similarities and differences, their thinking has shaped writing traditions that both compare and contrast. Through this discussion, Dr. Lan will show also that understanding rhetorical differences among cultures depends, to an important extent, on our sensitivity to the differences within each culture that is under comparison. The presentation runs from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Friday, September 26th, in 113 Wimberly Hall. The event is free and open to the public. To arrange for disability accommodations, contact [email protected] or call 785-8295.