Author
Michael Calvin McGee
Other affiliations: University of Memphis
Bio: Michael Calvin McGee is an academic researcher from University of Iowa. The author has contributed to research in topics: Rhetoric & Social movement. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 14 publications receiving 2032 citations. Previous affiliations of Michael Calvin McGee include University of Memphis.
Papers
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TL;DR: In this article, it is suggested that a description of political consciousness can be constructed from the structures of meaning exhibited by a society's vocabulary of "ideographs" (i.e., symbols).
Abstract: This essay attempts to describe political consciousness in collectivities. Symbolist thought, focused on the idea of “myth,” seems linked with material thought, focused on the concept of “ideology.” It is suggested that a description of political consciousness can be constructed from the structures of meaning exhibited by a society's vocabulary of “ideographs.”
793 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss text, context, and the fragmentation of contemporary culture in the context of Rhetorical criticism, and present a survey of the literature in this area.
Abstract: (1990). Text, context, and the fragmentation of contemporary culture. Western Journal of Speech Communication: Vol. 54, Rhetorical Criticism, pp. 274-289.
512 citations
TL;DR: In search of the people, this paper proposed a rhetorical alternative to the people's search for "the people" in search of "the right" and "the truth" in the 1970s.
Abstract: (1975). In search of ‘the people’: A rhetorical alternative. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 61, No. 3, pp. 235-249.
412 citations
TL;DR: The authors argue that social movement is a set of meanings and not an objective phenomenon and therefore require explanations of "movement" in rhetoric, not explanations of persuasion in allegedly discrete and objective situations.
Abstract: “Social movement”; is a set of meanings and not an objective phenomenon. We therefore require explanations of “movement”; in rhetoric, not explanations of persuasion in allegedly discrete and objective situations.
79 citations
TL;DR: This paper argued that theories of the public are ideological, not philosophical, linked more with the political fortunes of an intellectual aristocracy than with the problem of creating a reliable theory explaining the relationship between rhetoric and human societies.
Abstract: This essay explores two recently‐argued conceptions of the social‐political collective, Bitzer's notion that there is a timeless “public” possessed of a unique kind of “knowledge” and McGee's notion that there is an imminently present “people” possessed of an historically‐material “ideology.” It is argued that the ideas public and public knowledge are misconceptions of human society and of the function of discourse within it. The essay is in defense of the thesis that theories of “the public” are ideological, not philosophical, linked more with the political fortunes of an intellectual aristocracy than with the problem of creating a reliable theory explaining the relationship between rhetoric and human societies.
68 citations
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TL;DR: In the first two volumes of this work, Paul Ricoeur examined the relations between time and narrative in historical writing, fiction, and theories of literature as discussed by the authors, and this final volume, a comprehensive reexamination and synthesis of the ideas developed in volumes 1 and 2, stands as Ricoeure's most complete and satisfying presentation of his own philosophy.
Abstract: In the first two volumes of this work, Paul Ricoeur examined the relations between time and narrative in historical writing, fiction, and theories of literature. This final volume, a comprehensive reexamination and synthesis of the ideas developed in volumes 1 and 2, stands as Ricoeur's most complete and satisfying presentation of his own philosophy.
2,047 citations
15 Sep 1993
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss policy institutions and practices, policy discourse and the politics of Washington think tanks, Frank Fischer Discourse coalitions and the institutionalization of practice, Maarten Hajer Political judgement and the policy cycle -the case of ethnicity arguments in the Netherlands, Robert Hoppe Counsel and consensus -norm of argumentation in health policy, Bruce Jennings.
Abstract: Part 1 The argumentative turn: policy institutions and practices: Policy discourse and the politics of Washington think tanks, Frank Fischer Discourse coalitions and the institutionalization of practice - the case of acid rain in Great Britain, Maarten Hajer Political judgement and the policy cycle - the case of ethnicity arguments in the Netherlands, Robert Hoppe Counsel and consensus - norms of argumentation in health policy, Bruce Jennings. Part 2 Analytical concepts - frames, tropes, and narratives: Survey research as rhetorical trope - electric power planning arguments in Chicago, J.A. Throgmorton Frame reflective policy discourse, Martin Rein and Donald Schon Reading policy narratives - beginning, middle, and end, Thomas J. Kaplan Learning from practice stories - the priority of practical judgement, John Forester. Part 3 Theoretical perspectives: Policy anlysis and planning - from science to argumentation, John Dryzek Planning through debate - the communicative turn in planning theory, Patsy Healey Policy reforms as arguments, William Dunn Two worlds of policy discourse - consensual versus adversarial proposal selection, Duncan MacRae.
1,809 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a theory of human communication based on a conception of persons as homo narrans is proposed, and the viability of the narrative paradigm and its attendant notions of reason and rationality are demonstrated through an extended analysis of key aspects of the current nuclear war controversy and a brief application to The Epic of Gilgamesh.
Abstract: This essay proposes a theory of human communication based on a conception of persons as homo narrans. It compares and contrasts this view with the traditional rational perspective on symbolic interaction. The viability of the narrative paradigm and its attendant notions of reason and rationality are demonstrated through an extended analysis of key aspects of the current nuclear war controversy and a brief application to The Epic of Gilgamesh. The narrative paradigm synthesizes two strands in rhetorical theory: the argumentative, persuasive theme and the literary, aesthetic theme.
1,546 citations
TL;DR: The basis for a sociology of expectations is developed, drawing on recent writing within Science and Technology Studies and case studies of biotechnology innovation, and a model for understanding how expectations will predictably vary according to some key parameters is offered.
Abstract: Future expectations and promise are crucial to providing the dynamism and momentum upon which so many ventures in science and technology depend. This is especially the case for pre-market applications where practical utility and value has yet to be demonstrated and where investment must sustained. For instance, clinical biotechnology (including a wide range of genetic therapeutic and engineering applications) has been at the centre of ferocious debates about whether or not promises and expectations will be realised. In some cases, the failure of expectations has severely damaged the reputation and credibility of professions, institutions and industry. The need for a better analytical understanding of the dynamics of expectations in innovation is both necessary and timely.
787 citations
TL;DR: A theory of constitutive rhetoric, based on the principle of identification, can account for the constitution of subjects of this type, agents within ideological discourse, are interpellated or called into being through rhetorical narratives as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The rhetoric of Quebec sovereignty is based upon an appeal to a particular motivated subject, the Quebecois. Rhetorical theory usually takes such a subject as a given. A theory of constitutive rhetoric, based on the principle of identification, can account for the constitution of subjects of this type. Such subjects, agents within ideological discourse, are interpellated or called into being through rhetorical narratives. Such narratives constitute collective political subjects through a series of formal discursive effects. These effects result in a discursively constituted subjectivity that can form the basis for an ideological appeal to action.
719 citations