Discusses perspectives and approaches that teachers can utilize in demonstrating for students the importance and complexity of ethical decisions in the oral and written composition process. Explores the use of religious, legal, political, dialogical, situational, and human nature perspectives. (Author/GC)

Presents an annotated bibliography of works published between 1977 and 1978 covering seven topics: (1) history and practice of argumentation; (2) theory of argumentation; (3) scholastic forensics; (4) experimental studies; (5) interpersonal conflicts; (6) political campaign communication; and (7) general interest articles. (JMF)

Male and female subjects indicated their agreement (or disagreement) following an influence attempt. For male-related issues, subjects conformed more when the majority influence source was male. On female-related issues, subjects conformed more when the majority influence source was female. Males conformed more on the female-related issues.…

The views of Aristotle, Plato and other philosophers toward rhetoric are examined in a plea to elevate rhetoric to a true science. (HTH)

Examines the work of Hazlitt as a critic of parliamentary oratory. Discusses his standards of rhetorical eloquence and details his critical estimate of parliamentary speaking. Assesses his contribution to the criticism of British public address. (JMF)

Examines research dealing with learning processes and suggests its applications to compliance gaining. Discusses the degree to which learning theories explain the acquisition of new attitudes and behaviors, and the degree to which attitudinal and behavioral changes are governed by learning theory principles. (JMF)

Analyzes the argumentative structure of "...ist" accusations and identifies an array of possible responses to them. Suggests some social implications of this form of argument and alternative responses to it. (JMF)

Examines Elizabeth Cady Stanton's speech, "The Solitude of Self," as a philosophical statement of the principles underlying the nineteenth century struggle for woman's rights in the United States. Analyzes the lyric structure and tone of the speech and its tragic, existential rationale for feminism. (JMF)

Advocates teaching students how to articulate effectively and follow up on their complaints to bureaucrats. Recounts an English course in which the teacher attempted to teach students how to complain. (HTH)

Examines distinctions and assumptions underlying methods of argument analysis and criticism and defends descriptive diagrams such as the Toulmin model as illuminating methodological tools. Discusses defining characteristics of argument, presents an application of the Toulmin system, and details the presuppositions associated with context-sensitive…

Matching contemporary rhetorical concepts with classical rhetorical figures of speech can help students improve their persuasive business communication skills. (RL)

The Equal Rights Amendment controversy is studied as a conflict between two world views that are created by the rhetoric generated by proponents and opponents. Descriptions of the settings, actions, characters, and motivations of the opposing worlds reveal little common ground on which traditional argumentation can occur. (JMF)

A factor analysis of the verbal appeals used by 70 mothers in the socialization of their young children supported the validity of characterizing the moral arguments of parents in terms of their content (type of behavior approved or disapproved) and the source of moral authority to which they appeal (parental authority, legality, justice, etc.).…

Indicates aspects of arguments used by those opposing human services legislation. (CM)

Transcript, editorial analysis, and critiques of the National Debate Tournament final debate between teams from Harvard University and Northwestern University are presented. (JMF)