Chronotopes: Forms of Time in Rhetorical Argument.

This article discusses how the concept of chronotopes can be usefully applied to argument theory and focuses on public arguments about genetically modified foods (GMFs) in Canada. It is illustrated how chronotopes portray a space and time for the topic in question and engender certain possibilities for action. Four chronotopes have been examined that shape the arguments about GMFs, including time-space compression, substantial equivalence, precautionary principle and life cycle approach. Material, representational, temporal, spatial and ideological qualities of chronotopes have been outlined.