Rational Discourse Research Articles

Learning to engage with the »other«? – postfoundational perspectives on affects and emotions in argumentation trainings against right-wing populism

ABSTRACT In the context of the rise of right-wing populism, new debates on democratic education have emerged which focus on the role of affect. The paper puts forth a postfoundational perspective on affects and emotion, proposing an analysis of how democratic education practices mobilize certain feelings. In the empirical analysis of argumentation trainings in the context of higher education, it is demonstrated that the observed practices have ambivalent effects. On the one hand, participants demonstrate motivation and commitment to argue for their own positions and to passionately oppose populist positions in public discourse. Conversely, this motivation operates, at least in part, through a process of ‘othering,’ which transforms individuals with right-wing populist worldviews, at least in part, into obstinate individuals in need of moralization.

Chinese News Coverage of Lesbians and Gay Men: A Positive Discourse Analysis

ABSTRACT While considerable studies have revealed that homosexual individuals are negatively and stereotypically portrayed, little is still known about how the negative portrayals are challenged and delegitimated in the Chinese media. To address this gap, the article investigates how lesbian and gay (LG) people are represented in Chinese newspapers by employing a positive discourse analysis approach. Data for this study are gathered from China Daily and Global Times. Drawing on van Leeuwen’s social actors model, this article reveals how both newspapers actually construct positive discourses to legitimate the status of LG individuals. The significant positive discourses include (a) resisting the stigmatization of LG people as unhealthy, (b) endorsing external support for LG rights, (c) legitimating LG-themed social activities, and (d) recognizing LG people’s value to Chinese society. Given that same-sex marriage is still oppressive and illegal in China, potential factors that underlie the positive media coverage of LG individuals are finally discussed.

HANS JOAS’ “SACRALIZATION THEORY” AS A NORMATIVE CONCEPT

The german social theorist Hans Joas has put forward the thesis that the development of human rights is not to be traced back to anti-religious secularism: what we are talking about here is a peculiar process of sacralization, in the course of which an “aura of sacredness” is created around the members of modern societies. Kantian philosopher Otfried Höffe thinks that Joas strives to create an “affirmative genealogy”: i.e. the elaboration of a method following which we could get an overview of the “authentic history” of the development of human rights and acknowledge the claim to the validity of these rights at the same time. The theory of Joas is seen by Höffe as the unauthorized intervention of a sociologist into the area of rational philosophical argumentation. In my study, I’m trying to outline an answer on Höffe’s criticism. Firstly I’m demonstrating that according Joas’s view the normative philosophy can be replaced by a historical-sociological analysis. Instead, he was thinking in terms of a complementary relationship: he regarded that the involvement of the perspective of historical sociology had a seminal effect on the reconsideration of the familiar normative positions. Secondly that I’m trying to outline Joas’s normative theory in contrast of Habermas’ discourse theory. I am arguing that the outlined theory the development and maintenance of rational discourses depend on preserving certain social practices that evolve spontaneously: consequently, comprehensive social criticism cannot be purely based on the requirement of the discursive rationality. Finally, I will also highlight the problems and restraints of the “Joasian” normative theory.

On the issue of labour dispute resolution through mediation as one of the ways to protect the right to labour

The article examines the issues of labour dispute resolution through mediation as one of the alternative ways of protecting the right to work. It is found that the legislator has established and outlined the legal basis for conducting an out-of-court conflict resolution procedure (mediation) by mutual agreement of the parties to the conflict and with the participation of an intermediary (mediator), and has also defined the principles of mediation, regulated the procedure and procedure for its conduct, and determined the legal status of the mediator, his/her rights and obligations, and liability. The author proves that when using mediation as a method of labour dispute resolution, it is necessary to take into account the mediator’s competence when choosing a mediator. It is proved that mediator competence is a complex of professional knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as experience of one’s own activities, which allow making objective judgements and making accurate decisions for conflict resolution. The author identifies the components of mediation competence which should be taken into account when selecting a mediator for labour dispute resolution, namely: motivational, cognitive, activity, and personal. The author establishes that the choice of a mediator for labour dispute resolution should be based on the following criteria for assessing his/her competence: conceptual - understanding of the theoretical foundations of the profession; instrumental - mastery of the basic methods and technologies of mediation; contextual - taking into account the geographical, political, legal, cultural, economic conditions of activity; projective - anticipation of risks, forecasting the results of various types of professional activity. It is proved that a mediator involved in the settlement of labour disputes with a view to protecting the constitutional right to work should be fluent in the art of organising and conducting negotiations, know the current labour legislation and the technique of questioning, the rules of rational discussion, and be proficient in rhetoric and argumentation in order to quickly and effectively persuade the conflicting parties and professionally smooth out conflicts. It is concluded that by taking into account the proposed components as criteria for selecting a competent mediator when engaging him/her in the settlement of labour disputes, one of the major obstacles to the use of mediation for the purpose of settling labour disputes as a way to protect the constitutional right to work will be overcome.

Let 'Pregnant Women Choose the Destiny for Themselves and Their Child'. How Fertility Clinic Digital Platforms Frame Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) in Spain.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is used to select in vitro embryos for distinct clinical contexts and purposes. PGT for monogenic conditions (PGT-M), also known as Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), enables the prevention of passing on a known genetic disorder to one's offspring. Conversely, PGT for aneuploidies (PGT-A), or Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), is used to improve IVF success rates in fertility patients and increase confidence about the health outcomes of potential offspring. Using discourse analysis, we examine how Spanish fertility clinic digital platforms frame these techniques and their associated subjectivity processes. We find: first, an excessively unproblematic portrayal of experimental innovations such as PGT; second, a linguistic, semantic and clinical overlap between 'diagnosis' and 'screening', which increases the genetic responsibility of couples or women without known genetic conditions regarding their prospective children; and third, the use of genomics as a modulator of female fertility and as a means to control maternal age-related decline. Ultimately, this discourse positions PGT as a routine IVF component, serving as an assurance tool for both treatment success and the health of the potential baby. This narrative reflects the speculative turn in assisted reproduction, emphasising new forms of responsibility and choice of would-be mothers.

Epistemic Disruptions. Autofiction and Identity Politics in Paul B. Preciado’s Can the Monster Speak? (2020) and Kim de l’Horizon’s Blutbuch (2022)

The paper examines contemporary autofictional texts about queer identities in the context of current debates on identity politics. Paul B. Preciado’s Can the Monster Speak? (2020) and Kim de l’Horizons’s Blutbuch (2022) reflect queer identities in the form of transgressive and transitory writing which blurs the boundaries between academic and fictional discourse and ultimately leads to a hybridisation of the narrative. Both texts use autofiction as a means of epistemic disruption, that is as a critical questioning of Western epistemology, especially with regard to academic discourse (Preciado) and cultural memory (de l’Horizon). The ‘I’ of the autofiction becomes the catalyst of an anti-hegemonic knowledge and anti-hegemonic discourse and thus performs a core concern of identity politics in a literary way, namely the claiming of a subject and speaker position in the hegemonic discourse. At the same time, the aporias of identity politics discourses also become clear when looking at both autofictions.

Excess of Sensuality: Poetics of Grotesque in Plays of Nina Sadur

This article explores the poetics of the grotesque in the works of Nina Sadur, focusing on her dramatic collections “Chudnaya Baba” [Strange Woman] and “Obmorok” [Fainting], alongside a series of interviews and her writings on creativity. It is noted that the poetics of the grotesque aligns with the writer’s creative objective — stimulating individual sensuality and enhancing the aesthetic capacity to perceive the world and life through dramatic art. The analysis delves into rich grotesque imagery that disrupts cognitive inertia and reveals the hidden existence of multiple worlds. The symbolic functions of the human body are examined, as well as characters exhibiting psychological anomalies and their associated peculiar actions, which serve as methods for constructing their own ritual-mythological chronotope and generating a grotesque tragicomic effect through the symbiosis and blending of two theatrical chronotopes. It is demonstrated that Nina Sadur, through her unique artistic poetics that diverge from rationality and scientific discourse, creates a mystical realm within the theater that exists outside the present world, expressing an alternative, enigmatic psychological truth. These poetic moments encapsulate the mystical dualistic experiences of the grotesque aesthetics present in Sadur’s plays. The author concludes that the poetics of the grotesque is rooted in the clash between Nina Sadur’s primal instincts and the reality of her life, reflecting a creative aspiration to restore and elevate individual sensuality.

Discursive strategies of motivational speech: A positive discourse analysis of Jay Shetty’s video

Motivational speech has emerged as a significant trend in social media, driven by the increasing demand for personal development content and the accessibility of digital platforms. With the rise of platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, motivational speakers now can reach global audiences instantaneously. This shift has transformed motivational speaking from a niche practice into a widespread cultural phenomenon. Now, this paper was positioned to analyze the presence of discursive strategies—linguistic and rhetorical techniques to convey meanings—within motivational speech videos. Positive discourse analysis was carried out to analyze a viral motivational video from Jay Shetty identifying prevalent discursive strategies. Findings indicated that Jay Shetty perspectivation/framing/discourse representation (39.7%), argumentation (20.7%), referential/nomination (15.5%), predication (13.8%), and intensification/mitigation (10.3%) in his viral video. He used linguistic and rhetorical techniques, like metaphors and analogies, to craft his messages in a way that resonates deeply with his audience, making them relatable and impactful. Through selected words, persuasive structures, and storytelling, he engages listeners emotionally and intellectually, guiding them toward self-reflection and personal growth. His use of rhetorical questions encourages introspection, prompting viewers to think critically about their own lives and decisions. By framing his narratives in ways that connect personal challenges to universal experiences, Shetty had a sense of shared understanding, making his audience feel seen and motivated to take action. Consequently, motivational speech on social media has evolved into a powerful tool for shaping public discourse, promoting mental health, develop resilience, and inspiring positive life changes across societies and culture.

Epistemic Environmentalism and Autonomy: The Case of Conceptual Engineering

Abstract I will clarify when and how a tension arises between epistemic environmentalism (a new focus on assessing and improving the epistemic environment) and respect for epistemic autonomy (allowing, empowering, and requiring people to each govern their own beliefs). Using the example of participatory conceptual engineering (improving the linguistic environment through rational discussion with broad participation), I will also identify an option for avoiding the tension—namely, participatory environmentalism. This means a new focus on how people can each contribute to improving the shared epistemic environment through rational deliberation and thereby govern their own beliefs that are shaped by that environment.

A Study of Crisis Discourse on the COVID‐19 in Brazil: Discourse Manipulation and Power Struggles

ABSTRACTPublic health safety belongs to the category of ‘securitization’. However, in some countries, there is a tendency of discourse manipulation and desecuritization in COVID‐19's discourse. This paper first embarks from the perspective of the Copenhagen School's securitization theory and employs an analytical framework of discourse manipulation to deconstruct the process of Bolsonaro's ‘desecuritization’ crisis discourse construction in response to the COVID‐19 threat in his country, which consists in discourse restraint, discourse framing, discourse positioning. The results show that: in terms of discourse restraint strategy, Bolsonaro's government realizes this strategy by reducing the frequency of epidemic topics, continuously suppressing scientific discourse on epidemic prevention and control and suppressing public health and safety discourse through political discourse. In terms of framing strategies, the nature, severity, causes and responsibilities of COVID‐19 problem are diagnosed, respectively. Through the negative frame of other programmes and the positive frame of the epidemic plan, the president constructs the expected frame of COVID‐19 problem. Through incentive framing, his discourse stimulates Brazilian people's support for the federal government and the president himself and enhances public confidence in Brazil's success in overcoming the epidemic. In terms of discourse positioning strategy, the plots of ‘focusing on economic issues’, ‘life first’, ‘freedom first’ and ‘sovereignty first’ are adopted, respectively. Drawing on the three‐dimensional analytical framework as a Critical Discourse Analysis tool, Bolsonaro's discourse manipulation and desecuritization strategies reflect an antagonistic regard towards the relations between economic development and epidemic prevention and a rival perspective towards the relationship between administrative authority and professional authority, and furthermore, the overlapping left‐right power struggles under the crossover of the era of ‘Great changes not seen in a century’ and the COVID‐19's non‐traditional security crisis.

Compositional and Semantic Meaning of Non-Equivalent Vocabulary in a Poetic Text (Original and Translation)

The article addresses the theoretical and practical issues related to the translation of non-equivalent vocabulary (NV) in poetic texts, focusing on its compositional and semantic role in the original and translated versions. Non-equivalent vocabulary often appears in the strong positions (SP) of a text, such as titles, rhyme elements, and key metaphors, which are critical for maintaining the semantic integrity and artistic essence of the work. The presence of NV in these positions creates a unique challenge for translators, as the loss or replacement of such vocabulary can lead to significant semantic distortions, affecting the stylistic unity and cultural flavor of the text. By examining examples from German poetry by Heinrich Heine, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Rainer Maria Rilke, as well as their Ukrainian translations, this paper highlights the diverse strategies used by translators to recreate NV in a target language context. The study also explores the theoretical approaches of renowned scholars shedding light on the impact of NV on the semantic structure and ethno-linguistic worldview conveyed through poetic texts. The aim is to analyze how NV functions as a strong position in poetic discourse, influencing the overall compositional hierarchy and meaning of the text. The research concludes that the transmission of NV in poetic translation requires a careful balance between preserving the original’s national identity and adapting it to the stylistic and cultural norms of the target language. The study underscores that inadequately rendered NV can disrupt the semantic unity of a poem, thereby altering its cultural context and reader reception.

Expanding Support Beyond Clinical Care in IBD Patients.

A rational discussion of the impact of Pain, Fatigue and Bowel Incontinence on the Quality of Life of People Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A UK Cross- Sectional Survey. To help Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients manage symptoms and improve quality of life by incorporating a multifaceted community health strategy that goes beyond routine symptomatic treatment.

Deliberative Democracy in the Digital Age Opportunities and Challenges of Online Public Discourse

Deliberative democracy is a model of democracy in which decision-making processes are based on public participation, and public debate is prioritised. In this model, citizens make joint decisions through rational discussion and negotiation, and this process forms the basis of democratic legitimacy. As one of the main actors in 21st-century democracy debates, deliberative democracy aims to create more inclusive and fair policies by encouraging broad participation. In the digital age, the concept of deliberative democracy faces new challenges and opportunities. This study examines the intersection between deliberative democracy and digital technologies, focusing on how online platforms influence public discourse and democratic engagement. The core objective is to explore how digital technologies enhance inclusivity, speed, and scalability in deliberative processes while simultaneously raising concerns about misinformation, polarization, and exclusion. Drawing from the theoretical framework of deliberative democracy, which emphasizes rational discourse and public reasoning, the paper investigates the benefits and challenges that arise when deliberation moves online. Through case studies such as Iceland's crowdsourced constitution, global climate change discussions, and the role of social media during the 2020 U.S. election, the paper highlights how digital platforms facilitate rapid, large-scale deliberation but also contribute to political fragmentation and echo chambers. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, analyzing the impact of digital platforms on deliberative processes through literature reviews and case studies. The hypothesis is that while digital platforms offer significant potential for enhancing democratic deliberation by broadening participation, they also present new risks to the integrity of public discourse, particularly due to misinformation and the manipulation of algorithms. Ultimately, the paper argues that deliberative democracy must adapt to the realities of the digital age by integrating online and offline deliberation, fostering digital literacy, and establishing regulatory frameworks for transparency and accountability. The findings offer theoretical contributions to understanding the relationship between digital technology and democracy while also providing practical recommendations for enhancing the quality of digital public discourse.

Inclusive AI Technologies and Discourses for Better DEIB and Organizational Outcomes

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the way we work, and as technology continues to outpace workplace management, this is a call-for-action to global organizations to re-evaluate their discourses, strategies and operations on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) frameworks that can potentially help solve organizational challenges and increase their productivity. Global workforces are not yet meaningfully trained in understanding the extent to which AI can impact their careers as well as ethical issues such as fairness, equity, accountability, and governance (Hauer 2022; Polyportis and Pahos 2024). What makes this scenario even more murky is the lack of opportunities available for non-specialist training in AI for workplace management. This lack of transparency and knowledge around the discourses and workings of AI, if left unexamined, could lead to the deterioration of workplace DEIB initiatives. The inherent clarity and commitment of DEIB to improve the lives of all people and organizations can be used as guidance towards building inclusive AI technologies and positive discourses around an inclusive AI. As a technologically dependent society, we have to do better to create more humane and ethical technologies that serve those who have access to less education, privileges, opportunities than us. We need to create continuous and consistent governance systems to oversee the development of inclusive AI and monitor its use. Guiding the development of inclusive AI technologies and discourses using DEIB frames holds the potential of creating powerful, transformative processes where humans and technology can interface and collaborate to bring forth positive outcomes for people, organizations and societies.

Reimagining Saraswati Nagpal’s Sita : A Critical Study

In a contemporary context, feminist dignity and nature have evolved into a positive discourse, often laden with the complexities of negative and nihilistic connotations. Gender roles, shaped by culturally influenced stereotypes, construct the structural framework for women and men. Gender-role education, in turn, shapes a child’s self-concept. The efforts of graphic novels in challenging the ancient stereotypes of traditional female roles are evident in various retellings of classical epics such as The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. Saraswati Nagpal’s Sita: Daughter of the Earth shifts the narrative perspective from Rama's Ramayana to Sita's Ramayana. Narrated by the destined princess Sita, the story presents a powerful depiction of women navigating a patriarchal culture. Sita’s portrayal as an ideal woman blurs the boundaries between religion and mythology, offering a nuanced exploration of her struggles. Introducing Sita’s plight to young readers does not dilute the broader struggles of women; instead, it underscores women’s roles and serves as a moral instruction. This paper adopts a feminist lens to examine women’s struggles for survival and identity, as reflected in Sita: Daughter of the Earth. It also highlights the importance of fostering children’s understanding of gender stereotypes, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive perspective.

Constructing a Discourse of Hope and Inspiration: A Positive Discourse Analysis of Joko Widodo’s Press Statements on COVID-19

ABSTRACT Using positive discourse analysis as a framework, this article examines Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s press statements on the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on how he constructed a message of hope and inspiration. The analysis demonstrates that Widodo used his language to encourage the people of Indonesia to be resilient, remain positive, and collaborate with the government to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic. The findings reveal that metaphor, lexicalisation, and rationalisation were the three main strategies that helped Widodo to construct his message of hope and inspiration and to formulate an emancipatory discourse intended to liberate the people of Indonesia from the difficulties of the pandemic and chart a way forward in the post-pandemic period. The study underscores the crucial role of language as a resource for hope and as a response strategy during a crisis as well as its significance in helping individuals, communities, nations, and societies make sense of their experiences and (re)imagine a positive future despite their present predicament.

Staged Dissent – »Change My Mind« as a Vehicle of Instrumental Deliberation within the Identitäre Bewegung Österreich

In this paper we aim to analyze the talking format of Change my Mind by Steven Crowder and its adaptation by the former spokesperson of the right-wing extremist group Identitäre Bewegung in Austria. By employing the concept of ›genre of dissent‹ we ask the question how democratic values of deliberation are strategically used to gain legitimacy for far-right positions in discourse. A key aspect is how these strategies relate to practices of self-marginalisation in the sense of mimicry of marginality. As a model for dismantling and criticising these practices we suggest the concept of instrumental deliberation

Negotiating Prejudice and Equality: Analysing Gender and Sexuality Discourse Among Supporters of Populist Radical Right Message in Switzerland and Finland

ABSTRACTResearch on gender, sexuality and the populist radical right has revealed the contradictory positions of such parties and politicians regarding gender issues. However, less is known about the perspective of laypeople on these matters. This study focuses on supporters of a radical right populist message and analyses how prejudice is constructed in populist gender discourse. Analysing interview material from two countries, Finland (n = 55) and Switzerland (n = 33), this study adopts a discursive–rhetorical approach and identifies six key discursive practices: radical supporters of gender equality, privileged gender and sexual minorities, assimilating individuals as exceptions, sexual minorities excluded from normality, the unprejudiced self distanced from the discriminating party and the self aligned with the rational party. First, this study sheds light on supporters' constructions of equality, gender and feminism in contemporary discourse. Second, our discursive–rhetorical analysis shows how different categorisation strategies are used in negotiating prejudice. Third, the study further complements existing research on gender populism by examining gender issues from the demand side, illustrating the appeal of radical right populist ideology among voters. We conclude that discursive category constructions and exceptions allow including, excluding and delegitimising gender and sexual minorities and their supporters while distancing and aligning oneself with (un)prejudiced positions in gender discourse. Please refer to the Supporting Information section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

Getting it off your soul: transformative conversations for processing traumatic experiences

ABSTRACT Emergency workers are confronted with trauma as an essential part of their work. Learning how to moderate the impact and coping with traumatic experiences is at the center of this study. The researchers empirically chart ways that emergency workers cope with trauma, process and integrate these experiences, and describe what supports their learning. Findings suggest a need to engage in alternative forms of communication, differentiating between professional and emotional feedback in order to foster transformative learning. The study reveals two different, complementary ways to constructively communicate, each with its own architecture: structured debriefs and transformative conversations. Mezirow borrowed from Habermas’s idea of rational discourse in dialogue, some of which is seen in debriefs, wherein emotions are set aside in the intensity of the moment in favor of processing facts and identifying decisions and actions for the future. In transformative conversations, by contrast, emergency workers seek to understand their inner selves and make meaning of their experiences. The research shows that certain conditions for transformative conversations need to be in place in order to work through emotions and unblock cognition by recognizing and working through affect, emotion, and potential vicarious trauma. This qualitative analysis derives from 57 reflective writings collected from paramedics and firefighters.

Towards a Conversational Ethics of Large Language Models

Abstract Large Language Models are one of the most prominent examples of current uses of AI, and one of the most urgently pursued normative tasks is to make them and their interactive user-interfaces—open-domain chatbots—safe. However, in this paper, we elaborate first on why such a limited view on the permissibility and desirability of their utterances falls conceptually flat, is philosophically insufficient, and leads to severe technological limits. We then propose a positive normative concept, appropriateness, that can provide the required orientation for determining what chatbots may or may not say, and distinguish between technical-discursive, social, and moral appropriateness. Lastly, we explore the requirements for social and conversational contexts to fulfill appropriateness-requirements, and find that positionality is a key element for their position in discourse.