Martyna Dominiak: "Civilizing rhetoric" and "counter-rhetoric of modernisation" as examples of participation of polish sociologists in public discourse.

The main focus of this article is to define and analyze main rhetorical strategies used by sociologists in particular period of 'The Fourth Polish Republic' controversy. Civilising rhetoric and counter-rhetoric of modernisation show how social scientists use the techniques of discreditation and legitimise them by referring to values and higher instances such as morality and authority of science and scientific research. The article also invites reflection upon functions and consequences of appearance of social sciences in media, especially as a part of polarised public sphere in consolidating democracy and transitional media system. It also draws attention to biografical, historical and institutional contexts of the engagement of sociologists in public discourse.