Luncheon discussion featuring
Eugene Volokh, Professor, UCLA School of Law
Thursday, December 9, 2004
11:45 a.m. – Check-in
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., Program
Public Policy Institute of California
Founders Room -- 5th Floor
500 Washington Street (at Sansome)
San Francisco, CA
In the wake of the presidential election, pundits and politicians have made "slippery slope" arguments on nearly every hot-button issue. From stem-cell research to same-sex marriage, these powerful metaphors have penetrated the public discourse. Their rampant and widespread use, however, is troubling: do these arguments make sense, and, if so, when? How can we evaluate them better, and make them more effectively?
In his recent study, "Mechanisms of the Slippery Slope," Eugene Volokh analyzes how these arguments are skillfully crafted to advance policy goals. Recognizing how slippery slopes are made, he argues, is the first step to understanding their resounding impact on current moral attitudes and political decision-making.
Join us for lunch to hear Mr. Volokh provide an in-depth look at how slippery slopes are created by issue advocates and campaign strategists to shape public opinion, and why their growing role in the public policy process is a cause for concern today.
Cost: Free
Please RSVP by December 6
Announcement online at http://www.pacificresearch.org/events/2004/04-dec09.html