Proposes the metatheoretical stance of skeptical pluralism as a means of ordering and integrating knowledge of human communication. Uses a typology of modern philosophies suggested by Richard McKeon to identify four different conceptions of communication and science (phenomenal, operational, nationalistic, and phenomenological). (MM)

Explores the viewpoint that an epistemic view of rhetoric is restrictive and de-emphasizes other useful conceptions and functions of rhetoric. Maintains that Kenneth Burke's conception of symbol-using has shifted and is now dialectical, with both ontological and epistemic perspectives simultaneously governing the symbol-using process. (MS)

Provides a preliminary examination of the relationships which exist between the disciplines of communication and computer science. Isolates the original principles which determined the development of computer science. Suggests how these early formation principles had and continue to have on the study of communication. Focuses on the seminal role…

Discusses Kenneth Burke's ideas regarding the rhetoric of form as a productive way to begin to conceptualize and analyze the rhetoric of form. Traces human forming from the level of tacit symbolic "fixing" through systematic "knowing" to the manipulating of technical forms for the purpose of evoking response. (JMF)

Discusses a study of five hundred and eleven intimate relationships and notes particular consistencies in these relationships which appear to represent intimacy as a type of rhetorical situation. (MH)

Defines and discusses the concept of linearity in the design and conduct of research and suggests general considerations for dealing with the problem of linearity in naturalistic inquiry in speech communication studies. (MH)

Argues that confusion in understanding the process of listening can be alleviated by adopting an information processing approach to listening. Presents a model and discusses listening strategies. (PD)

The ability to communicate effectively is fundamental to communication education. For internal validity, communication educators need to concentrate on knowledge-building (competence) and skills training (performance). For external validity, the speech communication discipline must establish a common understanding of its work and send clear…

Discusses the power of stereotypes in rhetoric and their use in the enthymeme. (JMF)

Examines college students' reaction to two separate argument situations involving religious or nonreligious issues. Finds a two-way interaction between argumentativeness and religious orientation on willingness to argue, argumentativeness main effects on willingness to argue and value expectancy, and religious orientation main effects on all three…

Asks whether macro-assessment of honesty has utility for detecting deception. Multiple regression analyses indicate that honesty assessments can be only partially predicted from communication style, characterized by the level of friendliness, attentiveness, preciseness, animation, and dramatic style. (JK)

Interviews with media coordinators Peter Dailey and Gerald Rafshoon reveal the rationale for television advertising techniques used during the 1980 presidential campaign. Epilog reinforces the importance of the study of this kind of reality communication for speech communication scholars and students. (PD)

Discusses coalition rhetoric as creating a sense of unity and facilitating cooperative action. The proposed phenomenological framework suggests that the search for rhetor intent and motive in cooperative communications may be approached through attention to "Coalition Form,""Dominant Phenomenological Themes," and "Representative Linguistic Cues."…

Examines the history of the "Blavatsky" phase of the London Theosophical movement. Focuses on the disparity between the public rhetoric of the Theosophical Society's leadership and the deeper motivations which inspired many Londoners to join the movement. (JMF)

Presents an essay and two responses. Addresses the difficulty communication scholars have in addressing public policy regarding urban life which results, in large part, from the discipline's fractionalized, turf-bound nature. Offers recommendations for future directions in research and academic responsibility. (SR)