In the wake of Perelman's neo-rhetoric, Toulmin's logic, modern theories of argumentation (but also of Wittgenstein's linguistic uses and Austin's performative acts), the book highlights a precious way of operating human reason in the field of practical life: an exemplary rather than exemplary, ectopic rather than archetypal, as Ernst Cassirer had to say.

This reason, culturally situated and embodied in the ethos of the time, is illustrated here not only in its historical path, but also in the theoretical assumptions and application devices. Its ancient origins are highlighted, the darkening suffered in the modern age due to the prevalence of the scientific method, the twentieth century revival and its procedures, techniques, speculative, formative and political purposes are shown.

All with a wealth of problems, controversies and dilemmas in which we could all be involved as individuals and, above all, as citizens who take part in public discourse.