Environmentalists are accustomed to using the rhetorical appeals of guilt and sacrifice to advocate their agendas. I argue that the motivations of guilt and sacrifice do not mirror the goals of sustainability, and are easy for anthropocentric-resourcist ideology (ARI) agendas to counter. When it comes to actual environmental policy change,…

This study examines the deployment of automated red light camera systems in the state of Texas from 2003 through late 2007. The deployment of new technologies in general, and surveillance infrastructures in particular, can prove controversial and challenging for the formation of public policy. Red light camera surveillance during this period in…

Examines the way competing interpretations of evidence form the basis for arguments over appropriate defense postures. Indicates that it is only as participants in a policy dispute move to develop validity standards appropriate to the particular dispute that resolution becomes possible. (MS)

Few concepts in argumentation theory have produced as much discussion as the idea that argument practices can be divided into distinct public, technical, and private spheres. The first important question relating to the spheres concept is whether the distinction between the spheres is useful. The second primary issue concerns the degree to which…

Argues that higher literacy levels, better instruction in rhetoric, and increased critical thinking abilities would improve both political discourse and public policy. (SRT)

President Richard Nixon decided in 1970 to commission the construction of a fleet of reusable space shuttles. Nixon's rhetoric on the space shuttle program (examined here in the light of Kenneth Burke's theory of symbolic action) shows how a philosophy of pragmatism was crafted out of a philosophy of wonderment. That one cannot now remember…

Uses Kenneth Burke's writings on the negative in language to account for the rhetorical appeal of the Reagans'"just say no" rhetoric. Argues that this strategy advocates private solutions to public problems, reasserts the authority of the government to define both problems and solutions, and undermines the vitality of the public sphere.…

Identifies a rhetoric of public theology that is specifically targeted for mass audiences in an attempt to influence religious and secular publics on public policy. Argues that such a rhetoric differs markedly from that of civil religion and displays three characteristics: expedient simplicity, existential content, and action rituals. (JD)