Polemics
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Polemics (pronounced /pɵˈlɛmɪks/) is the practice of disputing or controverting religious, philosophical, political, or scientific matters. As such, a polemic text on a topic is often written specifically to dispute or refute a position or theory that is widely viewed to be beyond reproach.
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Look up polemics in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
The antonym of a polemic source is an apologia.
Polemic journalism was common in continental Europe when libel laws were not as stringent.[1] The Research Support Libraries Programme "Pamphlet and polemic: pamphlets as a guide to the controversies of the 17th-19th centuries", co-managed by the University of St. Andrews, the University of Aberdeen, and University of Wales Lampeter, collected and placed thousands of pamphlets on-line as a study of polemic rhetoric of that era.[2] There are other meanings of the word as well. Polemic is also a branch of theology, pertaining to the history or conduct of ecclesiastical controversy.[3]
The word is derived from the Greek word polemikos (πολεμικος), which means "warlike," "hostile".[4] Plato uses a character named Polemarchus in his dialogue Republic as a vehicle to drive forward an ethical debate.
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[edit] Forensic Medicine
A common polemic in Forensic Medicine is whether diatoms are useful in the diagnosis of antemortem drowning or not.
[edit] Sexual medicine
In sexual medicine, a common polemic is whether clinical or actuarial methods of assessment of sex offenders are better predictors of recidivism.[5]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "polemic, or polemical literature, or polemics (rhetoric)". polemic, or polemical literature, or polemics (rhetoric). britannica.com. http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-467241/polemic. Retrieved on 2008-02-21.
- ^ "Pamphlet and polemic: pamphlets as a guide to the controversies of the 17th-19th centuries". specialcollections.st-and.ac.uk. http://specialcollections.st-and.ac.uk/projpamph.htm. Retrieved on 2008-02-21.
- ^ Nicole, Roger R. (Summer 1998). "Polemic Theology: How to Deal with Those Who Differ from Us". The Founders Journal (33). http://www.founders.org/FJ33/article3.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-21.
- ^ Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (Merriam-Webster Incorporated, Springfied, MA, 2005), s.v. "polemic"
- ^ Dvoskin JA, Heilbrun K. "Risk assessment and release decision-making: toward resolving the great debate." J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 2001;29(1):6-10. PMID 11302389
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