Examines parliamentary procedure and shows how it interacts with argument as process and product. Argues that parliamentary procedure determines the decision rules of argument and, indirectly, the strategies employed. (PD)

Examines the nature of persuasion as it occurs in theater. Suggests that theater is not only a fine art but also a rhetorical form and, as such, functions on three levels (text, performed work, and production). (PD)

A discussion of the problems inherent in academic debate cases based upon attitudinal rather than structural flaws. (CH)

Analyzes judicial dissent as a backdrop for examining Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's dissenting opinion in the 1983 abortion decision. Highlights O'Connor's distinctive defense of personal credibility, emphasis on legal logic, and appeal for reversal of "Roe vs. Wade." Discusses how effectively the value appeals characteristic of judicial…

Identifies and illustrates characteristics of conservative resistance rhetoric and examines the psychological origins and ideological statements of this rhetoric in the West Virginia textbook protest. (MH)

Considers the way in which recent apocalyptic religious discourse motivates actions and attitudes toward secular issues by appealing to sacred texts. Traces one such strategy, termed "transfer." (SR)

Examines Mario Cuomo's keynote address at the 1984 Democratic National Convention as a case study in rhetorical interaction. Argues that the keynote setting presented both generic and immediate constraints, which Cuomo resolved through a rhetorical strategy rooted in metaphor as an argumentative technique. (MM)

Suggests that effects rather than motives or methods become the definitive way of measuring the ethical quality of discourse. Also suggests that the supposed dichotomy between absolutist and relativist approaches to moral judgments is mistaken. Approaches to moral judgment are seen as applications of consensual rules which follow a quasi-juridical…

Explores the theory of rhetoric-as-epistemic, or truth-creator, and sets forth criteria for determining conditions conducive to such a rhetorical function. (MH)

Describes the emergence of media evangelists in times of situational crisis. Discusses the appeal such leaders have to listeners possessing a "crisis mentality." Offers a model to explain the communication influence process associated with these charismatic speakers. (SR)

Reviews scholarship on the interdependence of rhetoric and poetic language, and proposes a performance as argument model for the oral interpretation of literature. Relates the model to current work on the relationship of narrative to argument and suggests benefits gained from its adoption. (SR)

A discussion of five of the major concepts on which the Chicano movement is based: a feeling of oppression, La Raza,'' robbery of a conquered people, Huelga,'' and Aztlan.'' (RN)

A test of the effects of a variation in the order of presentation of oral statements. (CH)

Examines the effect of varying the quality of evidence in a persuasive message. Concludes that, while good evidence may not be necessary to persuasive communication, poor evidence is detrimental. (PD)