This book revisits the definition of polemical discourse and deals with its functions in the democratic sphere. It first examines theoretical questions concerning the management of disagreement in democracy and the nature of polemical discourse. Next, it analyses case studies involving such issues as the place of women in the public space, illustrated by the case of the burqa in France and public controversy in the media on the exclusion of women from the public space. The book then explores reason, passion and violence in polemical discourse by means of cases involving confrontations between secular and ultra-orthodox circles, controversies about the Mexican Wall and fierce discussions about stock-options, and bonuses in times of financial crisis. Although polemical exchanges in the public sphere exacerbate dissent instead of resolving conflicts, they are quite frequent in the media and on the Net. How can we explain such a paradox? Most studies in argumentation avoid the question: they mainly focus on the verbal procedures leading to agreement. This focus stems from the centrality conferred upon consensus in our democratic societies, where decisions should be the result of a process of deliberation. What is then the social function of a confrontational management of dissent that does not primarily seek to achieve agreement? Is it just a sign of decadence, failure and powerlessness, or does it play a constructive role? This book answers these questions.

In this hard-hitting critique, Carl Boggs argues that the United States is dominated by a new militarism, one that has become more potent and menacing since 9/11. He skillfully explores the origins and development of this new militarism and show its devastating effects on American society.

Deals with Amsdorf's role in developing the understanding of Luther in the years after his death.

Freud's Foes, the latest title in the Polemics series, addresses Freud's fiercest contemporary critics. The book defends psychoanalysis (while accepting that it has inherent flaws) and argues that although today's "foes" pose as daring savants, they are only the latest wave of critiques that psychoanalysis has encountered since its controversial birth and their arguments are easily debunked.

Novack defends scientific socialism -- the generalization of the historic line of march of the working class, first advanced by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels. He answers those in the twentieth century who, parading as the true interpreters of Marx, have provided a "philosophical" veneer for the anti-working-class political course of Stalinist and social democratic misleaderships around the world.

In the history of relations among Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, the encounter in medieval Spain stands out as particularly noteworthy for its intensity and creativity. This interaction generated many polemical texts presenting the competing claims of the three monotheistic faiths. One such text is the Treatise on Obvious Contradictions and Evident Lies, by the Muslim scholar Abu Mudhammad 'Ali ibn Hazm al-Andalusi (d. 1064). This study makes the content of the Treatise available to English speakers for the first time, providing a detailed description of the work and an assessment of its significance. Theodore Pulcini argues that Ibn Hazm's polemical biblical exegesis is best understood within the centuries-old tradition in which Muslim authors evaluated the Jewish and Christian scriptures. Analyzing the historical and sociocultural dynamics of eleventh-century Islamic Spain, he contends that Ibn Hazm wrote the Treatise for the purpose of effecting societal reform.

Vital Apologetic Issues Vital . . . pertaining to life; essential; of critical importance. Apologetic . . . a systematic defense of the authenticity and authority of Christian truth. Issues . . . a point or matter, the decision of which is of special or public importance. When it comes to giving a reasoned defense of one's faith, just knowing definitions isn't enough. It helps to have reliable guidance through the critical issues of apologetics such as philosophical questions regarding the Christian faith or biblical reliability. Vital Apologetic Issues: Examining Reason and Revelation in Biblical Perspective draws upon the insights and study of numerous evangelical scholars and writers to address crucial questions in the field of Christian apologetics. Some of the chapters included are: The Nature and Origin of Evil by Robert Culver Biblical Naturalism and Modern Science by Henry M. Morris Ebla and Biblical Historical Inerrancy by Eugene H. Merrill Theological Problems with Theistic Evolution by David H. Lane Christian readers, church leaders, and pastors will appreciate the insight and guidance of Vital Apologetic Issues.