Examines the relationship between rhetorical theory and rhetorical criticism, and discusses the current evolution of rhetorical criticism and the theoretical suppositions accounting for this evolution. (MH)

Rhetorical theorists since Socrates have advocated a rhetoric that reveals truth and avoids concealment. This tradition rests, however on the questionable epistemological assumptions that data exist prior to the linguistic formualtion of them and that such data can be articulated in objectively verifiable discourse. In opposition to this point of…

The purpose of this essay is to examine philosophy, history, sociology, and rhetoric with an eye toward demonstrating that the rhetorician is at least as well equipped to deal with the concept "movement" as other writers with different training. Rhetoricians have been preoccupied with moving men and not societies. A…

Papers delivered at the 1973 and 1974 meetings of the Conference in Rhetorical Criticism are contained in this pamphlet. These papers are preceded by a list of student and faculty participants, a list of editor-critics, and a schedule of events for each of those two years. The 1973 address to the conference, entitled "Rhetorical Criticism as…

Examines eighteenth century Spain and the rhetorical thought of the Spanish "Illustracion," revealing the evolution of a modern theory of rhetoric which elevated expression at the expense of investigation and culminated in a literary, aesthetic, and belletristic conception of communication. (JMF)

Develops a theory of rhetorical perspectivism to show the role played by rhetoric in the acquisition of knowledge. (PD)

Identifies a number of parallel viewpoints on rhetoric that Kenneth Burke and Richard Weaver probably developed independently. Traces and accounts for eight direct citations and approximately 20 unacknowledged uses of Burke by Weaver. (JD)

Literally defined, topoi are places in the mind where items of information (ideas, arguments, etc.) may be stored. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a critical analysis of a number of studies which have appeared in communication literature on the concept of topoi and to discuss the function of topoi in communication. Utilizing the…

Explores the rhetorical problem of concretizing the ideal via the relationship between form and fact in Richard Weaver's theory of truth. Reveals that reliance on analogic form permits Weaver's arguments to function externally and internally. Suggests that analogic structure, example, and analogy are fundamental ways of rhetorical knowing. (JMF)

Discusses various theories of literary criticism and recommends that critics take their work seriously. (AEA)

Sets forth a theoretical rationale for a critical rhetoric (encompassing two forms of critique--critique of domination and critique of freedom) and presents eight "principles" which orient the critic toward the act of criticism. (SR)

Nearly all entires in this selected bibliography of rehtorical studies were published in 1973. Items are listed under the heading of general/theoretical or individual theorists in each of three categories: ancient era, medieval and renaissance era, and modern era. The fourth and longest category, contemporary theory, is separated into six…

Argues that rhetoric is creative and that rhetorical argument generates knowledge. (PD)

Argues that Bitzer's situational theory accounts for forms of rhetorical creativity through the definition of controlling elements of situations, for the production of rhetoric as purposive action, and for the degree of accuracy or clarity with which observable features of situations have been interpreted. (JMF)

A reply to "Beyond Rhetorical Relativism," a 1982 article written by E. Croasmun and R. A. Cherwitz, this paper suggests that that article suffers from a poor choice and unclear usage of language, a weak line of argument, and a faulty conceptualization of the issues. The first section of the paper reviews the arguments presented by…