Toward a Civil Discourse: Rhetoric and Fundamentalism (Pitt Comp Literacy Culture)

Sharon Crowley

ISBN 10: 0822959232 / ISBN 13: 9780822959236

Published by University of Pittsburgh Press, 2006

About this Item

Examines how Americans find it difficult to discuss civic issues frankly with one another. This book considers the ancient art of rhetoric as a solution to the problems of repetition and condemnation that pervade American public discourse. It investigates how beliefs can develop into densely articulated systems and political activism. Series: Pittsburgh Series in Composition, Literacy and Culture. Num Pages: 326 pages, illustrations. BIC Classification: 1KBB; CFB. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (UP) Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly; (UU) Undergraduate. Dimension: 229 x 152 x 15. Weight in Grams: 358. . 2006. 1st Edition. Paperback. . . . .

Seller Inventory # V9780822959236

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Toward a Civil Discourse: Rhetoric and Fundamentalism (Pitt Comp Literacy Culture)
• Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0822959232
• ISBN 13: 9780822959236
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Toward a Civil Discourse examines how, in the current political climate, Americans find it difficult to discuss civic issues frankly and openly with one another. Because America is dominated by two powerful discourses--liberalism and Christian fundamentalism, each of which paints a very different picture of America and its citizens' responsibilities toward their country-there is little common ground, and hence Americans avoid disagreement for fear of giving offence.
Sharon Crowley considers the ancient art of rhetoric as a solution to the problems of repetition and condemnation that pervade American public discourse. Crowley recalls the historic rhetorical concept of stasis--where advocates in a debate agree upon the point on which they disagree, thereby recognizing their opponent as a person with a viable position or belief. Most contemporary arguments do not reach stasis, and without it, Crowley states, a nonviolent resolution cannot occur.
Toward a Civil Discourse investigates the cultural factors that lead to the formation of beliefs, and how beliefs can develop into densely articulated systems and political activism. Crowley asserts that rhetorical invention (which includes appeals to values and the passions) is superior in some cases to liberal argument (which often limits its appeals to empirical fact and reasoning) in mediating disagreements where participants are primarily motivated by a moral or passionate commitment to beliefs.
Sharon Crowley examines numerous current issues and opposing views, and discusses the consequences to society when, more often than not, argumentative exchange does not occur. She underscores the urgency of developing a civil discourse, and through a review of historic rhetoric and its modern application, provides a foundation for such a discourse-whose ultimate goal, in the tradition of the ancients, is democratic discussion of civic issues.

About the Author

Sharon Crowley is professor of English at Arizona State University. She is the author of Composition in the University, The Methodical Memory, and the textbook Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students.