The Concept of Public Discussions in Media

This chapter defines and characterizes the phenomenon in question, that is, media-based public discussion in the twenty-first century. The chapter introduces the concept of public discussion in media and presents a philosophical conceptual analysis of publicness, mediality, and discussion. This chapter argues that public discussion can be defined and demarcated as a phenomenon, even though the places, the means, and the dynamics of media-based public discussion have changed due to the development of media in the twenty-first century. Distinction is made between the public and the non-public including both the private and governmental/professional spheres. In addition, I clarify the concept of discussion in public discussion in media.