In Defining Reality, Edward Schiappa argues that definitional disputes should be treated less as philosophical questions of “is” and more as sociopolitical questions of “ought.” Instead of asking “What is X?” he advocates that definitions be considered as proposals for shared knowledge and institutional norms, as in “What should count as X in context Y, given our needs and interests?”

Covering a broad scope of argument in rhetorical theory, as well as in legal, medical, scientific, and environmental debates, Schiappa shows the act of defining to be a specialized and learned behavior, and therefore one that can be studied and improved. In response to theories that deem discourse to be persuasive, the author asserts that all discourse is definitive discourse that contributes to our construction of a shared reality.

Defining Reality sheds light on our methods of creating common truths through language and argumentation and forces us to reconsider the contexts, limitations, and adaptability of our definitions. Hinging on a synthesis of arguments regarding the significance of definitional practices, the book is bolstered by a series of case studies of debates about rape, euthanasia, abortion, and political and environmental issues. These case studies ground Schiappa’s concepts in reality and delineate the power of public discourse within legal contexts. Ranging widely among disciplines from philosophy and classical philology to constitutional law and cognitive psychology, this study substantially contributes to the scholarship of rhetoric and argumentation, particularly as they function in the realm of public discourse.

Reader Reviews

Taylor Ellwood

(5/5)

Feb 20, 2013

This book has been influential in my professional and personal development. The author does an excellent job of exploring the power of definitions and why people need to carefully examine and critique the definitions presented to them, while also developing their own. I've applied the concepts of this book to my profession as well as my spirituality and have found both to be enriched by the concepts and definitions the author provides.

Sarah

Oct 19, 2009

This book is fantastic: fascinating, clear, and relevant to many areas of inquiry. Schiappa discusses complex concepts in such lucid prose, and offers such apt illustrations, that the concepts are easy to understand.

Mona

(4/5)

Nov 21, 2014

Andrew

Nov 12, 2020

Kimberly

Jun 12, 2019

Ashlee Brand

(3/5)

Dec 28, 2015

Haziq Aqeel

Aug 06, 2020

Kevin K

Aug 24, 2014

John

Sep 22, 2014

Jun 13, 2014

Jaymi

Oct 15, 2010

Mike W.

Aug 06, 2017

Brad

Dec 03, 2008

Jeyathud

Mar 19, 2010

Dan

May 25, 2013

Iyja

Jul 27, 2014

Ashley

(0/5)

Dec 27, 2009

Christopher Wyatt

Mar 06, 2010

Ember K. Miller

Dec 29, 2010

Dhattūra

Jul 24, 2012

Rico Abrahamsen

Oct 08, 2012

Courtenay Klauber

Oct 17, 2012

Heather

Nov 22, 2012

Trey

Jan 07, 2013

Lecam

Apr 16, 2013

GhGh

Apr 26, 2013

Logan Middleton

Aug 07, 2013

Marylou R.

Oct 12, 2013

Mohamed

Mar 15, 2014

Angel Felix

Aug 27, 2014

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Defining Reality: Definitions and the Politics of Meaning

Defining Reality: Definitions and the Politics of Meaning

Defining Reality: Definitions and the Politics of Meaning

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