This essay notes a resurgence of interest in rhetorical studies on the appeal of form, grounded in the work of rhetorical theorist Kenneth Burke. The essay argues that form is not only a way to structure discourses, it is a way to structure experience. Form is foundational in creating perceptions and thus experiences. Form is also highly…

Clarifies how the scheme systems work in C. Perleman and L. Olbrechts-Tyteca's "The New Rhetoric," responds to a critique of it, and examines patterns of scheme use in five panel discussions. Concludes that the description of inferential scheme categories in "The New Rhetoric" is generally complete and useful for the study of…

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…

The spaces in which public deliberation most often takes place are institutionally, technologically, and scientifically complex. In this article, we argue that in order to participate, citizens must be able to invent valued knowledge. This invention requires using complex information technologies to access, assemble, and analyze information in…

Criticizes Hegel's "rehabilitation" of the Sophists as an example of the dangers that are inherent in judging rhetorical contents of theories by philosophical standards rather than rhetorical ones. Argues that Hegel placed the Sophists in philosophy's historical continuity by eliminating consideration of their rhetorical stances and the…

Examines two prominent schools of critics who employ a hermeneutic strategy and who arrive at conflicting interpretations of Gorgias's overall "philosophy." Argues that in fact both schools misconstrue the nature of Gorgias's writing. Presents an alternative reading of Gorgias' style. (TB)

Examines Hitler's use of propaganda to construct praxis and define phronesis in Nazi Germany in terms of the rational but open-ended nature of Aristotle's political-ethical thought. Examines the failure of professional discourse surrounding the siting of a low-level nuclear waste facility to create a persuasive reality and yet ideologically…

Discusses two kinds of rhetorical audiences: universal, and particular. Considers the approach a speaker takes regarding the audience type, which is usually a mixture. Discusses how a speaker brings the audience to the desired adherence despite the difference of audience type. (SC)

Maintains that electronic discourse, or secondary orality, compels the reappropriation of classic rhetoric as a new source for reflection and action in rhetoric and in the humanities. Argues that its adaptability, focus on production, and usefulness make it an extraordinarily powerful way of studying all kinds of texts and their contexts. (SR)

Explores Walter H. Beale's "A Pragmatic Theory of Rhetoric," and places it in relation to other theories. Discusses Beale's semiotic theory of written discourse, its contribution, and relates Beale's aims to the rhetorical theories of James Kinnevey and James Britton. (SR)

Proposes a theoretical model of organizing texts that uses four "master" tropes (metaphor, metonymy, synecdoche, and irony) as a conceptual framework to represent the processes of selecting, ordering, and placing words, ideas, and images into a text. Discusses possible practical application of tropical operations to nonfictional…

Takes issue with J. Habermas's partiality for the dialectical (or rational-critical) over the rhetorical sphere. Shows that in two cases (in addition to the 18th-century "philosophes") such a sphere was conducive to circularity, insularity, and exclusion. Focuses on the discourse of the proponents of communicative ethics and the…

At Southerland Institute (a pseudonym), in spite of the teacher's strong statements in favor of encouraging students to think for themselves and to work together, the writing program Southerland's teachers outline is formulaic with its required modes, prescribed five-paragraph-like essay form, and bell-curve grading practices. A new rhetorician…

Reviews research on the "new rhetoric" and written composition, applying these principles to legal discourse writing in the law school curriculum. Notes that the new rhetoric posits that writing is a process of constructing thought and describes selected teaching practices within the reader-writer loop, including reading and writing…