Mykola Ovcharov Presented Two New Books on Ethics and Rhetoric

On December 27, 2024, the founder of the Ovcharov Institute of Rhetoric, Mykola Ovcharov, presented to the general public his two new books – Small Ethics and Evidential Argumentation. The presentation took place in the cozy atmosphere of Kyiv's "Zbirka" bookstore, where admirers of philosophical thought and oratorical art gathered.

Small Ethics is a profound philosophical work in which the author reflects on eternal ethical questions of good and evil, happiness, freedom, respect for oneself and others. At the same time, the book is very relevant as it addresses contemporary challenges – tolerance, feminism, rational consumption. Mykola Ovcharov shares with readers the rules of etiquette in business and personal communication, digital communication, and behavior in public places. Each chapter concludes with practical advice and ethical exercises that will help readers apply the acquired knowledge in life.

One of the author's most provocative thoughts concerns the concept of freedom. "Freedom is impossible. Freedom is dead. Freedom is an absolute, a divine measure, the same as good, evil, and happiness. It is impossible to achieve it, but striving for it is the only possibility to approach peace," asserts Mykola Ovcharov.

Another bold challenge to traditional thought posed by the author poses is the question of addressing people by patronymic. Based on examples of correspondence between Cossacks and Ukrainian writers, he proves that this norm is not inherently Ukrainian but borrowed from Muscovite customs and does not correspond to our belonging to European culture.

In a small but important detail of etiquette - the use of perfumes - Mykola Ovcharov also finds space for ethical reflection. "Perfumes should be used in such a way that the scent does not go beyond the boundaries of your personal space," advises the author, calling for respect of personal boundaries.

The second presented book – Evidential Argumentation – reveals two key trends in contemporary oratorical art. Drawing on his 15 years of teaching rhetoric experience, Mykola Ovcharov emphasizes the importance of arguing one's position exclusively with evidential arguments and critically perceiving the opponent's arguments. In his opinion, evidential argumentation is the main safeguard against manipulation and a tool for developing critical thinking in society.

The presentation of Mykola Ovcharov's new books is an exceptional event in the intellectual life of the country. Small Ethics encourages reflection on eternal and simultaneously very relevant ethical questions, while Evidential Argumentation arms readers with the most important skills of the 21st century – the ability to think critically and convincingly prove one's position. The Ovcharov Institute of Rhetoric invites all interested parties to join in comprehending the ideas of the new books and to improve their skills in ethical interaction and evidential argumentation.

Mykola Ovcharov's new books Small Ethics and Evidential Argumentation are already available to readers in the following places:

1. On the Ovcharov Institute of Rhetoric website in the "Bookstore" section.
2. On Amazon and Google Books.
3. In Kyiv at the "Zbirka" bookstore at 2A Zolotovorotska Street.
4. In Kyiv at Readeat bookstore chain locations on 50 Antonovycha Street and in the "Comfort Town" residential complex on 12 Berezneva Street.