ABSTRACT
When I was invited to plan this conference, I knew almost immediately the theme I would use: Disturbing Argument: as in argument that disturbs, contains disturbing words or images, or is about disturbing topics; as in argument that disturbs relationships of power; as in theories and approaches that disturb traditional approaches to argument; as in examples of argument that disturb what we think we already know about the processes of argumentation. So, quite intentionally, the theme invited people to submit scholarship that was disturbing , in all its polysemous and polyvalent (if not wholeheartedly equivocal) glory. Although disturbing often carries negative connotations, it need not always. That which disturbs can agitate, disquiet, startle, and perturb. Now, if one likes things settled and unchanging (if not calcifi ed), one might fi nd being disturbed to be a distressing experience. But, if one recognizes the contingency, fl uidity, and malleability of life, theories, and argument, then disturbation becomes inevitable, if not welcome (given complete rigidity might be a sign of rigor mortis).
