Showing papers in "Quarterly Journal of Speech in 1986"
TL;DR: This article extended Mohrmann's working premises to indicate three principles: textual criticism should eventuate in theoretical understanding of texts rather than generate or test autonomous theoretical postulates; the sequencing or timing of elements within texts offers the ground for critical judgment; and certain foundational conceptions, often expressed as root metaphors, frame the discourse and influence its temporal progression.
Abstract: During the last decade of his life, G. P. Mohrmann pursued a sophisticated approach to the textual study of rhetorical discourse. His final and unfinished essay on John C. Calhoun's “Speech on the Reception of the Abolition Petitions” illustrates the potential and the complexity involved of this project. This essay extends Mohrmann's working premises to indicate three principles: Textual criticism should eventuate in theoretical understanding of texts rather than generate or test autonomous theoretical postulates; the sequencing or timing of elements within texts offers the ground for critical judgment; and certain foundational conceptions, often expressed as root metaphors, frame the discourse and influence its temporal progression.
88 citations
TL;DR: The authors claim that arguments about the genres of discourse contain as a crucial element an attribution of status, which involves a dialectic of authority and marginality, and that rhetorical scholarship is often a reaction against the condition of marginality.
Abstract: This essay claims that arguments about the genres of discourse contain as a crucial element an attribution of status, which involves a dialectic of authority and marginality Rhetorical scholarship is often a reaction against the condition of marginality Reflection on these matters illumines the ontology of rhetorical discourse
75 citations
TL;DR: The authors argued that scientific revolutions depend on continuity with an existent cultural grammar, and the answer, it was argued, lies in an understanding of how scientific revolutions depended on continuity in an existing cultural grammar.
Abstract: This essay addresses the question: If an intellectual change is truly fundamental, how can it be socially comprehensible? The question is particularly pressing in the case of Darwin's Origin, which popularized evolutionism within a ten year period. The answer, it is argued, lies in an understanding of how scientific revolutions depend on continuity with an existent cultural grammar.
71 citations
TL;DR: Gandhi's concept of civil disobedience is analyzed through an application of Kenneth Burke's "comic frame" as mentioned in this paper, which is a useful construct for interpreting and assessing certain rhetorical movements.
Abstract: Gandhi's concept of civil disobedience is analyzed through an application of Kenneth Burke's “comic frame.” His leadership of the Indian civil rights movement is characterized by a ritual form emphasizing a recognition of both social and individual power, attempts at identification with the social order even while attacking it, and an emphasis on epiphany as a ritual goal. The “comic frame,” it is argued, is a useful construct for interpreting and assessing certain rhetorical movements.
71 citations
TL;DR: The Star Wars address is viewed as part of the culturally evolving myth of the New Frontier as discussed by the authors. But the speech creates the illusion of both preserving and transcending science by subordinating technical reasoning to the purpose of nuclear holocaust, and by using technoscience to rescript history to remove temporal and spatial markers.
Abstract: Ronald Reagan's “Star Wars” address is viewed as part of the culturally evolving myth of the New Frontier. The speech creates the illusion of both preserving and transcending science by subordinating technical reasoning to the purpose of nuclear holocaust, and by using technical reasoning to the purpose of preventing nuclear holocaust, and by using technoscience to rescript history to remove temporal and spatial markers. Science is left free to advance progress. But Reagan determines the parameters for future technical debate; thus, scientists who would argue against SDI must contest their own status.
68 citations
TL;DR: This paper analyzed speeches given by Ronald Reagan during his first administration and revealed how public discourse can achieve unities of national purpose while subverting the conventions that underlie deliberation even about such momentous matters as war in a nuclear age.
Abstract: Since Hiroshima, “conventional wisdom” has held that science and technology will continue to create more and more powerful weapons, that an effective defense against them will never be developed, and that the only solution to this situation is deterrence through an assured retaliatory capability. The speeches analyzed in this essay, given by Ronald Reagan during his first administration, challenge each of these assumptions. Employing textual analysis, it is revealed how public discourse can achieve unities of national purpose while subverting the conventions that underlie deliberation even about such momentous matters as war in a nuclear age.
68 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study of selected speeches by feminists active in early Afro-American protest reveals significant similarities and differences in their rhetoric and that of white feminists of the period.
Abstract: Analysis of selected speeches by feminists active in early Afro‐American protest reveals significant similarities and differences in their rhetoric and that of white feminists of the period. Sojourner Truth's speeches are similar in style and content; Ida B. Well's addresses differ in style, but her analysis of race and sex recurs in the rhetoric of Southern white feminists; Mary Church Terrell's speech on segregation exhibits “feminine” style but reflects vast differences in concerns.
65 citations
TL;DR: A case study in the rhetoric of science, the authors follows the development of a controversy through a series of different audiences and interpretive frames, highlighting the problematic role of expertise as a scientific and rhetorical construction.
Abstract: A case study in the rhetoric of science, this essay follows the development of a controversy through a series of different audiences and interpretive frames. Originating as an attack on gradualistic assumptions in paleontology, the theory of “punctuated equilibria” was then posed as a broad challenge to evolutionary biology, prompting a range of responses within and without the scientific community. The essay highlights the problematic role of expertise as a scientific and rhetorical construction.
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the historical and philosophical reasoning behind the rhetoric of inquiry, an interdisciplinary enterprise designed to enhance the relations among the arts and sciences and clarify the actual practice of scholarship.
Abstract: This essay reports the historical and philosophical reasoning behind the rhetoric of inquiry, an interdisciplinary enterprise designed to enhance the relations among the arts and sciences and clarify the actual practice of scholarship.
42 citations
TL;DR: The clearest focus of our discipline is human symbolic activity; its scope in practice includes little if anything that is not related to that activity; and its coherence can be achieved by recognition that the study of human symbolic activities is its distinguishing feature as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The clearest focus of our discipline is human symbolic activity; its scope in practice includes little if anything that is not related to that activity; and its coherence can be achieved by recognition that the study of human symbolic activity is its distinguishing feature. Such recognition would demarcate a domain in which we may profess expertise without straining the credulity of academic administrators or offending the territoriality of those in related disciplines, and it would help to resolve the excessive controversy that presently rages among our various research perspectives
39 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined a speech by the late Richard J. Daley, then Mayor of Chicago, for its symbolic pattern, event structure, and underlying cultural code, revealing a meaningfulness in it which was not seen by contemporary critics.
Abstract: This essay examines a speech by the late Richard J. Daley, then Mayor of Chicago, for its symbolic pattern, event structure, and underlying cultural code. The analysis reveals a meaningfulness in it which was not seen by contemporary critics. Implications are drawn for an understanding of Teamsterville culture and for methods of interpreting deeply cultured speech.
TL;DR: Putnam and Pacanowsky as mentioned in this paper discuss the importance of information in information processing in organizations, and present a survey of the state of the art in information-processing in organizations.
Abstract: COMMUNICATION AND ORGANIZATIONS: AN INTERPRETIVE APPROACH. Edited by Linda Putnam and Michael E. Pacanowsky. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications, 1983. pp. 303. paper $14.95. ORGANIZATIONAL SYMBOLISM. Edited by Louis R. Pondy, Peter J. Frost, Gareth Morgan, and Thomas C. Dandridge. Greenwich, CT: JAI Press, 1983. pp. xvii + 307. $24.75. ADVANCES IN INFORMATION PROCESSING IN ORGANIZATIONS, VOL. I. Edited by Lee S. Sproull and Patrick D. Larkey. Greenwich, CT: JAI Press, 1984. pp. ix + 171. $24.75.
TL;DR: The authors uncovers in the classical tradition an underlying paradox that helps to explain contemporary confusions about rhetoric's mimetic status, namely that the aesthetic possibility of rhetoric is limited by constraints imposed by tragedy.
Abstract: This essay uncovers in the classical tradition an underlying paradox that helps to explain contemporary confusions about rhetoric's mimetic status. Aristotle situated rhetoric in a conflicted relationship—between rhetoric as an ethical‐political practice and poetic. The aesthetic possibility of rhetoric is thus liberated and limited by constraints imposed by Aristotle's most perfected poetic form, tragedy.
TL;DR: This article argued that language in spoken conversation is often constitutive, not merely instrumental and representional, and offered a complementary idea that emerges from the writings of Heidegger, Gadamer, and Buber.
Abstract: The semiotic assumption that language is a system of symbols, signals, or signs minimally entails a commitment to the position that there are two worlds, one linguistic and the ether non‐linguistic, and that they are related by some sort of representation. This essay challenges this view insofar as it purports to account for all language functions. It offers a complementary idea that emerges from the writings of Heidegger, Gadamer, and Buber: that language in spoken conversation is often constitutive, not merely instrumental and representional.
TL;DR: The strategy and tactics employed by the Japanese in attacking Pearl Harbor were based in part on key ideas from the writings of Alfred Thayer Mahan as discussed by the authors, and these ideas had been corroborated by observations and experiences of Japanese officers through a series of historical events, giving the ideas "narrative fidelity" sufficient to influence momentous decisions and actions.
Abstract: The strategy and tactics employed by the Japanese in attacking Pearl Harbor were based in part on key ideas from the writings of Alfred Thayer Mahan. These ideas had been corroborated by observations and experiences of Japanese officers through a series of historical events, giving the ideas “narrative fidelity” sufficient to influence momentous decisions and actions.
TL;DR: The authors propose a framework for appraisal processes that includes consideration of antecedent and consequent cultural, organizational, and individual information, and the narratives used by participants to relate their experiences.
Abstract: This essay proposes a framework for appraisal processes that includes consideration of antecedent and consequent cultural, organizational, and individual information, and the narratives used by participants to relate their experiences. The framework features motives identified by Kenneth Burke as intrinsic to communication marked by hierarchy: “mystery,” “order,” and “the kill.” Three performance appraisals are critiqued and directions for future interpretive studies are recommended.
TL;DR: The authors suggests that power be conceived as a dialectic of "authorship" and "authority" in the Bible, and that the Biblical story of creation should be read as an archetype that circumscribes all possible power relationships in Judeo-Christian cultures.
Abstract: This essay suggests that power be conceived as a dialectic of “authorship” and “authority.” Interest in understanding the rhetorical power of sacred texts is blended with interest in explaining the cultural origins of Anglo‐American social order. Because it is inherently persuasive, and because it became the first principle of arguments for justifying hierarchy, the Biblical story of creation should be read as an archetype that circumscribes all possible power relationships in Judeo‐Christian cultures.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a BIBLIOGRAPHY of VERBAL and NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION 1970-1980, with a focus on women.
Abstract: PURE LUST. By Mary Daly. Boston: Beacon Press, 1984; pp. 473. $11.95. LANGUAGE AND THE SEXES. By Francine Frank and Frank Anshen. Albany: SUNY Press, 1983; pp. 130. $24.95; paper $7.95. ANOTHER MOTHER TONGUE. By Judy Grahn. Boston: Beacon Press, 1984; pp. 324. $9.95. WOMEN SPEAKING: AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF VERBAL AND NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION 1970–1980. By Mary E. W. Jarrard and Phyllis R. Randall. New York: Garland, 1982; pp. 478. $60.00. A FEMINIST DICTIONARY. By Cheris Kramarae and Paula A. Treichler (with assistance from Ann Russo). Boston: Pandora, 1985; pp. 587. paper $15.00. GENDER AND COMMUNICATION. By Judy Cornelia Pearson. Dubuque: Wm. C. Brown, 1985; pp. 386. paper $18.56. THE NONSEXIST COMMUNICATOR. By Bobbye D. Sorrels. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice‐Hall, 1983; pp. 191. $8.95. LANGUAGE, GENDER AND SOCIETY. Edited by Barrie Thome, Cheris Kramarae, and Nancy Henley. Rowley, Mass.: Newbury House, 1983; pp. 342. paper $15.95.
TL;DR: This paper explored the relationship between radical opposition and electoral commitments, focusing on the rhetoric of the Campaign for Economic Democracy and analyzed the relationships between radicals and electoral commitment, and explored the New Populism as a developing form of political action.
Abstract: This essay explores the New Populism as a developing form of political action. Focusing on the rhetoric of the Campaign for Economic Democracy, it analyzes the relationships between radical opposition and electoral commitments.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the ascription of meaning should be based on the satisfaction of contextual criteria and demonstrate how it can serve as a bridging concept between general rules and situated contexts.
Abstract: Following Wittgenstein's concept of meaning‐as‐use, this essay argues that the ascription of meaning should be based on the satisfaction of contextual criteria. The usefulness of this notion is demonstrated by showing how it can serve as a bridging concept between general rules and situated contexts.
TL;DR: The debates were marked by four patterns of argument: conspiratorial, legal, historical, and moral as discussed by the authors, and speculations about the transformation of controversial questions in the crucible of public debate.
Abstract: The Lincoln‐Douglas debates of 1858 are models not of statesmanship and eloquence, as is sometimes thought, but of strategies and tactics of rhetorical invention in the context of the public forum. The debates were marked by four patterns of argument: conspiratorial, legal, historical, and moral. The dynamics of each pattern are explored and speculations are offered about the transformation of controversial questions in the crucible of public debate.
TL;DR: Burke and Langer as mentioned in this paper argue that dramatic works contain the resources to elicit desired responses from particula, i.e., they contain the ability to generate desired response from the audience.
Abstract: Kenneth Burke and Susanne K. Langer appear to see drama in radically different ways. Yet, both theorists believe that dramatic works contain the resources to elicit desired responses from particula...
TL;DR: The two major approaches to the study of social change, evolutionary functionalism and experimental empiricism, are elaborations of two root metaphors: the organism and the machine as mentioned in this paper, and both of them claim a literalness for their own position and castigate their opponents for using metaphorical models.
Abstract: Seen rhetorically, the two major approaches to the study of social change—evolutionary functionalism and experimental empiricism— are elaborations of two root metaphors: the organism and the machine. Practitioners of each approach claim a literalness for their own position and castigate their opponents for using metaphorical models. A deconstruction of their debate reveals it to be in error or bad faith. Both parties tend to be insensitive to the possible moral‐political implications of their rhetorical practice.
TL;DR: A PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS OF MEDICAL PRACTICE: TOWARD A PHILosOPHY and ETHIC OF the HEALING PROFESSIONS By Edmund D Pellegrino and David C Thomasma New York: Oxford University Press, 1981; pp xv + 342 $1995 The SILENT WORLD OF DOCTOR and PATIENT By Jay Katz New York; The Free Press, 1984; ppxxi + 263 $1595 Routine COMPLICations: TROUBLES with TALK BETWEEN DOCTORS and
Abstract: A PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS OF MEDICAL PRACTICE: TOWARD A PHILOSOPHY AND ETHIC OF THE HEALING PROFESSIONS By Edmund D Pellegrino and David C Thomasma New York: Oxford University Press, 1981; pp xv + 342 $1995 THE SILENT WORLD OF DOCTOR AND PATIENT By Jay Katz New York: The Free Press, 1984; pp xxi + 263 $1595 ROUTINE COMPLICATIONS: TROUBLES WITH TALK BETWEEN DOCTORS AND PATIENTS By Candace West Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1984; pp xiv + 199 $2750 TALKING WITH PATIENTS, VOLUME 1: THE THEORY OF DOCTOR‐PATIENT COMMUNICATION By Eric J Cassell Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 1985; pp xiii + 223 $995 paper TALKING WITH PATIENTS, VOLUME 2: CLINICAL TECHNIQUE By Eric J Cassell Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 1985; pp xii + 200 $995 paper
TL;DR: A CERTAIN TENDENCY OF HOLLYWOOD CINEMA, 1930-1980 as mentioned in this paper, by Robert B. Allen and Charles A. Affron. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1985. pp. xi + 202.
Abstract: A CERTAIN TENDENCY OF THE HOLLYWOOD CINEMA, 1930–1980. By Robert B. Ray. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1985. pp. x + 411. $45.00; paper $14.50. CINEMA AND SENTIMENT. By Charles Affron. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1982. pp. xi + 202. $20.00. SPEAKING OF SOAP OPERAS. By Robert C. Allen. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1985. pp. x + 245. $27.50; paper $9.95.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The authors examined the earliest rhetoric printed in England, the Margarita Eloquentiae by Lorenzo Traversagni (1479), and found evidence of shifts in reception of Ciceronian rhetoric under the impress of humanist values and Renaissance needs.
Abstract: Examination of the earliest rhetoric printed in England, the Margarita Eloquentiae by Lorenzo Traversagni (1479), provides evidence of the shifts in reception of Ciceronian rhetoric under the impress of humanist values and Renaissance needs, and demonstrates the process of experimentation by which humanists finally advanced beyond copy, commentary, and simple adaptation of classical rhetoric.