What is Public Discourse?
Public discourse, a phrase that society uses for a variety of situations, including speeches, demonstrations, and political debates. However, what truly defines this phrase?
There are multiple ways to look at public discourse. First, let us look at how the basic definition of the two words work together. According to Merriam-Webster, “Public” can be defined as “of, relating to, or affecting all the people or the whole area of a nation or state.” The basic understand of public is easy to interpret. After all, we use this word often. The more challenging term is discourse.
Discourse usually is demonstrated with a rhetorical theme to it. One definition of discourse can be defined as “a formal and orderly and usually extended expression of thought on a subject.” Discourse is usually relative in writing or speaking, using the term as a definition for expressing one’s thoughts about a particular subject or situation. The idea of discourse goes beyond just stating an opinion or fact. There is normally conversation or debate around said thought, causing an exchange of words through writing or oratory that helps accumulate over time. Discourse helps further an opinion, turning it into a topic of conversation instead of a statement.
So how do these two terms, public and discourse, turn into a commonly used phrase known as “public discourse?” More importantly, why should we care about public discourse?
Well, to answer these questions we can look at how public discourse plays into an act of civility. Public discourse can function in a form of political debate, normally stemming in political speeches or debates by politicians. Politicians use public discourse as a way to communicate their thoughts with the public. However, this can result in an issue when biases come into play. Although neutrality is not entirely expected during a political debate, it is expected to have a form of respect for the opposing side.
Civility requires a person to be respectable and courteous during a public speech or debate, but often times we find our politicians using ad hominem arguments instead of focusing on the question that they were asked. This is very essential when considering which side actually “won” a debate, mainly because we do not get answers anymore, we just get insults of character.
Although public discourse is essential to a functioning free society, it is important to not get stuck in a rut with the constant misinformation and insults that occur from our politicians. Public discourse allows a figure to have a great influence over their audience, whether it is good or bad. Ultimately, it is up to the listener to decide how to fact-check information and correct the wrongs that they hear. Public discourse is defined by the action of using a public space to converse about thoughts and ideas. Although not everyone wants to hear every idea, a bit of speaking can go a long way. In any case, be respectful when challenging viewpoints, and remember to civilly use discourse. Happy debating!
According to Rodin and Steinberg, good modern discourse integrates rational argument with narratives, personal experience, emotion, and empathetic listening. You brought up a good point that many politicians use ad hominem arguments instead of directly answering questions. I wonder, then, if publicity plays into this in modern discourse (valuing one's own appearance and reputation and trying to tarnish the opponent's rather than simply remaining impartial and non-defensive. Perhaps because debates are broadcasted, it makes the parties feel embarrassed more easily, or feel the need to defend their "image." I wonder if all the ad hominem comes from the visual publicity of televised political debate, or simply the candidates' firm beliefs in their own character.
ReplyDeleteTelevising a debate certainly gives jabs at the opponent's character an extra sting, as the viewers associate faces with facts, or opinions, or untruths, or even big, juicy flies.
This was very interesting to read! You did a great job explaining the entirety of public discourse.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that, though public discourse is a necessity for the function of society, it can potentially cause more harm than good. Much like you said, politicians and others partaking in public discourse have a habit of attacking their "opponent", for lack of a better word, rather than having a productive argumentative discussion.
Much like Sam said, I think that publicity has a very large part in the negative aspects of public discourse. Image has always played an important part in publicity, as people nowadays tend to pay closer attention to those they find physically appealing. This concept of image was mentioned in Postman's book when he wrote the following: "we may have reached the point where cosmetics has replaced ideology as the field of expertise over which a politician must have competent control" & "those without camera appeal are excluded from addressing the public about what is called 'the news of the day'" (Postman, 4). I think that this image-based issue has a lot to do with the negativity of public discourse nowadays because, as Sam mentioned, appearance and reputation is extremely important to many people; however, it is so important that they are willing to degrade and belittle their "opponent" to protect it, which creates an extremely toxic and negative area of discussion.
I enjoyed reading your post on public discourse! I liked how you showcased the various viewpoints for the topic. By breaking down the words “public” and “discourse,” readers will be able to understand the topic. I also believe that discourse itself is more than someone providing their own opinion. Each person involved in public discourse is able to provide information relevant to the topic, creating a larger discussion.
ReplyDeleteIn your post, you also stated that people are expected to respect each side during public discourse. While that is the hope, sometimes people begin to argue and place blame on others instead of discussing the topic at hand and using facts. I believe it is best to respect and listen to each side. As one witnesses public discourse, it is important to pay attention to facts. If one does not focus on facts, people may misinterpret the information provided during the discussion.
I thought the way you broke up the definition of Public Discourse into pieces was super helpful and really gets to the root of its purpose! Your entire post was detailed and succinctly touched upon both the positives and negatives associated with Public Discourse as a whole.
ReplyDeleteYour points about civility especially stood out to me, and reminded me heavily of our class' exploration of the Witherspoon website. While the articles were heavily leaned upon a set of Christian ideals and conservative bias, the articles themselves attempted to keep an air of civility towards the other side. Despite this effort, it's clear that the issues being discussed on the site would reach predictable conclusions without much in the way of challenging or opposing viewpoints. I find it kind of interesting that in the same way Public Discourse does not directly guarantee civility in conversation, that the presence of civility in conversation does not necessarily equal a true form of Public Discourse.
Great post overall!
Hi, Jennifer! I loved reading through your blog about the explanation of what public discourse is. I'm not gonna lie, when I signed up for this class, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Of course, I have heard of the word discourse, but I haven't been exactly sure if its meaning. We discussed it a bit in class, and that helped me a lot, but your blog helped me even more!
ReplyDeleteIn another class that I'm taking, we're also discussing the definition of rhetoric. In your post, you mention how discourse is usually demonstrated with a rhetorical theme to it. Plato describes rhetoric as, "The 'art of enchanting the soul," which is a pretty broad definition. With that being said, it all depends on each individual and I think it goes the same way for public discourse. Public discourse is a way for people to have a conversation over what's best, no matter what topic it is. Discourse is important so we can discuss what things need to be changed in order to make the world a better place.