Final answer:
Edmund Burke argues that piety is significant to public discourse because it establishes moral authority, fosters religious harmony, creates social cohesion, and encourages critical thinking.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Edmund Burke, piety is significant to public discourse because it establishes moral authority, fosters religious harmony, creates social cohesion, and encourages critical thinking. Religion and morality are essential for the happiness, good order, and preservation of civil government. The public worship of God and public instructions in piety, religion, and morality help promote the happiness and secure the good order and preservation of the government. Therefore, it is important for the people to invest their legislature with power to authorize and require the institution of public worship and the support of teachers in these areas.