Facts - by Ian Hooper

In Chapter 13 Stone discusses, “ The Two Faces of Persuasion.” She says that persuasion is the least understood of all human behaviors. She also says that conflict is derived from ignorance, rather than fundamental difference or interests. In the 1790’s almanacs were created as a “solution” to conflict. The rational ideal led to many policy ideas based on rational persuasion-this includes things such as campaigns aimed to; wear you seat belt, or recycle trash. This ration ideal is essentially a vision where conflict is solved by discussion through logic. This intern creates a harmonious society for humans.

The true colors of persuasion can be captured in two words- “propaganda” and “indoctrination.” Indoctrination has two things that separate it from the rational ideal, the first being it is used to manipulate and serve someone’s else’s interests rather than your own. It also takes away peoples ability to think independently. Charles Lindblom on the other hand says that persuasion only plays a large role in totalitarian systems; he calls this political system a “ preceptoral system.” This system is the polar opposite of rational idea. An individual in the rational ideal is free to make their own decisions based on accurate information, where in the preceptoral system you are essentially a puppet, where you listen to others thoughts rather than formulating your own.

The main debate regarding persuasion as a form of control in public policy is where to draw the line. Persuasion can be viewed in two different ways- for example; “Information” can be used as propaganda, but on the other hand it can be used to “enlighten.” The boundary between these two sides of persuasion is blurred, so there is no real definite answer to that. She describes the area in between these two sides as the “terrain of influence.”

When it comes to making facts in the polis Stone describes the rational ideal as the existence of neutral facts,” neutral in the sense that they are not used to promote persuasive force. However there are no independent facts because they are dressed with words and numbers. Naming, just like rule making is classification, which makes it a political act. Stone then goes onto talk about the left and right wing perspectives, and how they convey their messages to influence how we interpret certain things. Her example was how we view terrorism in other country’s to be carried out by left-wing rebels, but here we would see similar acts as “security measures.”