{"product_id":"toward-a-civil-discourse-rhetoric-and-fundamentalism-composition-literacy-and-culture-163-9780822959236","title":"Toward a Civil Discourse: Rhetoric and Fundamentalism (Composition  Literacy  and Culture  163)","description":"\u003cp\u003eToward 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45647015837749,"sku":"ByrdShop_0822959232","price":29.76,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780822959236.jpg?v=1781685657","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/toward-a-civil-discourse-rhetoric-and-fundamentalism-composition-literacy-and-culture-163-9780822959236","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}