ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the modern concept of "fluid topics" as a way to further get at ways in which topical argumentation bears relevance in our modern world. It presents an overview of proof-as-topic to help situate the rhetorical activity of topic-driven argumentation in general; to show how topic-driven argumentation works in practice, what it looks like in popular culture, and what rhetors may learn from an analysis of stakeholder responses; and offers some consideration of the way language works to motivate action with regard to environmental rhetoric. Many elements of topical argumentation, particularly in relation to environmental rhetoric, appear to serve as both formal topics and as commonplaces as "fluid topics". As a topic of environmental rhetoric, then, exploring how proof-as-topic works offers us some insight into the ways topics themselves shape understanding and influence the decision-making process. Inartificial proofs are the artifacts on which we base decision-making, whereas artificial proof is created through artistic means.
