Analyzes Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.'s dissenting position on Vietnam by considering it as representative of the mode of foreign policy argument called "technocratic realism." Argues that such dissent can offer only an incomplete critique of U.S. foreign policy, because it does not question the policy's underlying purposes. (SR)

Examines the central communicative features of Richard Rorty's post-foundational philosophy. Argues that Rorty's commitments to edifying philosophy, the cultural conversation, ethnocentrism, and a pragmatic approach to epistemology are all best understood from the perspective of rhetorical theory and practice. (MM)

Discusses how John C. Calhoun's speech "On Reception of the Abolition Petitions," illuminates his logical defense of slavery, while revealing that the logic was inextricably bound up in a powerful psycho-logic. Focuses on the role metaphor plays, particularly the functions of place, space, and related symbolic indices of orientation. (JD)

Argues for a revised perspective on presidential crisis rhetoric informed by an understanding of differing exigencies and functions. Uses speeches by Ronald Reagan to examine two types of crisis rhetoric. Concludes that crisis rhetoric can not be viewed as a homogeneous type of discourse. (MM)

Proposes an approach to rhetorical criticism that features the relationship between a message and a culturally distanced interpreter or critic. Applies Paul Ricoeur's critical approach to an interpretation of the Gettysburg Address to illustrate how hermeneutics reveals the underlying meaning and cultural significance of enduring texts. (NKA)

Argues that rhetoric belongs to a class of theories that tend not to become outmoded, and presents examples of effective rhetoric from ancient Greece. Suggests that rhetorical theories should be judged on their own terms rather than on the standards of an allied discipline. (KEH)

Argues that the rhetorical impact of "Agnes of God" stems from the unconventional treatment of dialectical conflict, and from the film's "dialectical disorientation." Discusses rhetorical implications of form, arguing that "Agnes of God" is representative of a class of highly configural films that function to jar…

Analyzes "Taxi,""Barney Miller,""Lou Grant," and "M*A*S*H" in terms of three fantasy themes: the realization of significant others, the alliance in action, and membership into personhood. From these themes emerges a rhetorical vision of the new humane collectivity. (PD)

Explores whether continuity or discontinuity is more appropriate to describe the particular relation between Aristotle's theory or rhetoric and Stuart Hall's ideology theory. Argues for inclusion of ideology theory within the rhetorical canon. Suggests that, if Aristotle's rhetorical theory belongs in the canon, Hall's theory also belongs because…

Argues that meaning in a rhetorical work results from an interaction between discursive form and representational content linguists call "iconicity." Illustrates this approach through close analysis of passages selected from Edmund Burke's "Speech to the Electors of Bristol." Considers applications in broader contexts. (KEH)

Examines the fluctuating dialectic between object and method in three parts: (1) detailed reading of Herbert Wichelns' founding essay; (2) discussion of three influential responses to this dialectic by Ernest Wrage, Samuel Becker, and Edwin Black; and (3) analysis of Michael Leff's and Michael McGee's attempt to reconnect object and method. (KEH)

Responds to the essays and critiques in this special issue. Evaluates the arguments by Michael Leff and Michael McGee and suggests that choosing between them is not inevitable. Analyzes Dilip Gaonkar's appraisal of McGee and incorporates the observations of J. Robert Cox and Celeste Condit when discussing Leff's position. (KEH)

Investigates the career of George Edward Bateman Saintsbury (1845-1933), the eighth Regius Professor at the University of Edinburgh. Outlines his position as a literary critic, reviews and analyzes his views of rhetoric and rhetoricians, and offers assessments of his views. (MH)

This practical criticism is written for communication scholars who seek further understanding of significant communication events. Believing that a romantic strain exists in American history/politics, this essay suggests characteristics of presidential heroes, relates Ronald Reagan's rhetoric to the romantic tradition, and compares his rhetoric…

Compares presidential inaugural addresses before and after 1932 in terms of rhetorical style and substance. Presents the stylistic response of the latter group to a new rhetorical situation characterized by audience heterogeneity and the need for ritualistic unity. (JMF)