In debate, it has been argued that a judge's decision is between two competing policy systems. This paradigm does not admit of direct refutation by the negative team considering the predicate facts and value assumptions of the affirmative policy. A second position is that straight refutation is an appropriate means of analysis in resolving…

An overview of the international expansion of advertising agencies based in the United States is presented in the first part of this paper. The various types of strategies used by the agencies in their expansion efforts are discussed along with some of the problems they have faced. The second part of the paper focuses specifically on the expansion…

An investigation into the types of propositions used in criminal trials reveals that the question being adjudicated in criminal trials is a proposition of fact that may or may not be influenced by policy and value considerations. The argument is offered that the proposition of fact identifies the ultimate issue in a legal debate. While value…

Ronald Reagan's rise from political neophyte to Republican candidate for governor of California in 1966 was characterized by a public relations strategy, which was bolstered by "The Speech," a 30-minute anti-big government, defense-of-freedom message. He presented this message appropriately to each audience to identify himself with…

Noting that United States Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas has often been characterized as an "absolutist" in terms of First Amendment policy, this paper argues that, in fact, Douglas's policy positions provided for less than absolute freedom to communicate. The paper then reveals, through an anlaysis of 18 of Douglas's opinions,…

To determine whether argument is logical, this paper reviews the empirical literature on perception, memory, and reasoning. It finds cognitive processes to be inferential, thus supporting the assumption that argument is logical. It notes, however, that a cognitive view of argument must be taken to appreciate this logicality, because people…

This paper presents a paradigm based upon four premises: persuasion is any means employed to make someone respond in a predetermined manner; persuasion is at its best in formal debate; debate should encourage judges to place confidence in debaters' credibility; and debating is an art in which the participants must be fully aware of their role as…

The rhetorical criticism of the Patricia Hearst trial published in this quarterly journal consists of two articles written before a verdict was reached. The first, "Closing Arguments in the Patricia Hearst Trial," by Nancy Gossage McDermid, reflects the author's perception of stylistic and substantive differences between the arguments of…

In this paper the writer attempts to derive and apply a theory of validity for inductive or probable argumentation. The following definition of rhetorical validity is proposed: an argument is valid when, in an adversarial situation, the degree of certainty claimed by (or for) a conclusion is less than or equal to that established by its related…

As humanity seeks a new social matrix which is suited to the global conditions that have ended the isolation of communities, we must learn to understand the various rhetorics of different cultures. This paper explores at length some of the richness of rhetorical theory within the classics of the East, including the "Upanishads," and in the ideas…

In debate, the affirmative case is changing so that the traditional needs-plan-advantages and comparative advantages cases are no longer the only ways to debate the affirmative. This paper discusses the two models of the affirmative case--the stock issue and systems models--and describes seven of the affirmative case possibilities:…

To determine if training in argumentation could affect the bases for student evaluation of communication aimed at changing opinions, students from Michigan State University formed an experimental group (those in an argumentation course) and a control group (those in a business letter writing course). The treatments consisted of four varying…

An unnatural division has been created between two modes of discourse, discussion and debate, even though decisions in the tradition of a democratic society are seldom reached through "pure" debate or "pure" discussion methods. The types of discussion and debate taught and used in competition may not be the only appropriate forms of training…

The purpose of this study was to measure possible differences in comprehension, retention, and attitude change resulting from presentation of three versions of an oral persuasive message which varied in organizational structure to subjects differing in organizational ability as determined by the Goyer Organization of Ideas Test and an intelligence…

A publication is presented which combines information and instructions on public speaking and platform presentations for 4-H members. It contains instructions in the preparation of all types of formal speeches, illustrated talks, and demonstrations including the planning and production of visual aids. Sample aids and materials are appended. A…