Discusses some modern elements in Adam Muller's rhetorical theory, particularly the stress on the dialogical, dynamic, and organic nature of the communicative process. Muller's concepts are compared with current concepts of identification and the rhetorical situation. (JMF)

Criticizes the overemphasis on change in recent rhetorical theory at the expense of enduring elements. The centrality of language in human experience is discussed as constituting a permanent core in rhetorical theory and forming the basis of rhetoric as a humane and substantive art. (JMF)

Compares the 1960 and 1976 presidential debates as part of the political campaign and concludes that the differences between the two in terms of format and content are minor. (JMF)

Emphasizes the complementary nature of the work of the rhetorical historian and the rhetorical critic. (MH)

Traces the history of Populism and stresses various characteristics of Populist rhetoric such as its educational nature and concern for individual worth and rights. (MH)

Defines a rhetorical genre as a recurrent distinctive relationship among the elements of occasion, audience and speaker-role and examines five incidents which produced discourse constituting a rhetorical genre. (MH)

States that John F. Kennedy, in his 1960 speech to Houston ministers, convinced many voters that, as a Catholic president, he would act independently of the Catholic Church in matters such as federal aid to schools, human reproduction, and religious tolerance. Analyzes arguments he used to distance himself from the Vatican and align himself with…

Explores the rhetorical strategy of feminist appropriation to assess its function as a counterhegemonic tactic. Analyzes two appropriations: the Australian film "Shame" (appropriating "Shane") and Margaret Atwood's poems "Orpheus (1)" and "Eurydice" as a collective appropriation of the classical myth.…

States that, although policies and procedure documents play an important role in developing and maintaining a consistent quality of interaction in organizations, research literature is weak in this area. Initiates further discussion by defining and describing policy/procedure documents. Identifies a third kind, work instructions. Uses a genre…

Considers how scientific texts are resistant to scrutiny by rhetorical critics because of the recalcitrance of nature, the exegetical equality of scientific communication, and the institutionally driven nature of scientific text production. Argues that none of these differences between scientific and public texts bars a rhetorical reading.…

Argues that an important part of the classical tradition defines rhetoric as an internal way of knowing and investigating one's culture. Asserts that classical rhetoric's goals move toward a sense of personal responsibility for language and audience. Calls for an emphasis upon such responsibility in modern public debate. (SG)

Examines the "ethos" (the perceived trustworthiness of authors by readers) gained for Charles Darwin by means of the interpersonal metadiscourse he used in two chapters of the "Origin of Species." Concludes that Darwin used metadiscourse to create an "ethos" for his readers that informs, impresses, and wins them over…

Argues that "divisio," an Aristotelian topic which entails partitioning a subject into components, is neglected by rhetoricians. Suggests that divisio empowers by creating knowledge and naming things but de-powers by creating absences and blocking creative alternatives. Notes that rhetoric strives for a balance between divisio and its…

Responds to Charles Willard's critique (in a previous article in this issue) of the author's critical study of argument spheres. Argues that critical analysis is essential for generating a social theory of argumentation. Emphasizes the independence and integrity of the spheres project in arguing against Willard's various substitutions and…

Considers issues in rhetorical epistemology whose significance transcends religious communication and commitment. Examines consensus-based epistemology as a model for understanding religious belief. Discusses the implications of Jeffery Bineham's position for rhetorical criticism (presented in a previous article in this issue) as well as the…