Public Policy Argumentation and Debate

Philip Dalton (Ph.D., University of Oklahoma) is Associate Professor in the Department of Rhetoric and Public Advocacy and Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, at Hofstra University. He studies political communication and public discourse. John R. Butler (Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh) has worked as a debate coach, communication professor, and consultant. He serves as the Director of Communication and Strategy for the Painters District Council No. 30 and its affiliated funds, a labor union located in Aurora, Illinois.

Acknowledgments – Preface – Emergence – Orientation – Analyzing Issues and Policy Propositions – Arguing – Understanding Stock Issues in Public Policy Advocacy – Reasoning I: Reasoning about Cause – Reasoning II: Reasoning by Deduction, Induction, and Analogy – Evidence I: Theories and Uses – Evidence II: Evaluation – Reasonable Goals – Targeting Your Audience – Adapting to the Advocacy Setting – Appendix – Index.

“The second edition … adds to and amplifies all that made the original necessary reading for any student interested in public argument. … It helps to demonstrate to, and persuade, students that public advocacy is something for them, something they can do, something they should participate in even if they think they don’t have the power, the pedigree, the access or position to advocate for themselves or the society they believe should be made a reality.” – Charlton McIlwain, New York University

“Rather than cordoning off argumentation as abstract academic contemplation, the text encourages students to understand it as essential to practical social change. This focus makes argumentation the source of empowerment that it should be and gives students a concrete structure for action. … especially relevant at a time when public advocacy is more important than ever.” – David Worth, Rice University

“… a thoughtful, contemporary approach to argument that extends beyond theory and functions in everyday lived experiences. The updates … artfully address so many of the current forces that shape public opinion and offer the learner tools to find their way through to effective argument.” – Archana Pathak, Virginia Commonwealth University

“Dalton and Butler accessibly illuminate key aspects of rhetorical communication that will help novice and expert alike tailor their content, presentation and targeting for maximum influence. A must read for those creating change.” – Kevin Folta, University of Florida

“In an era where so much bad public policy is allowed to persist based upon poor arguments, dubious data, big money and brute force, this book is a breath of fresh air. … I wish I had read it years ago. Just mapping my own experience into it is fascinating!” – Alan Collinge, founder of StudentLoanJustice.org