In 1553 the work that is touted as the first complete book written in English on rhetoric was published, Thomas Wilson's "Arte of Rhetorique." It became so popular it enjoyed eight printings within its century. Wilson was not a person to translate and read just for knowledge; he believed that knowledge should be imparted to the general…

The size of the runaway and throwaway population is alarming. Two primary reasons explain why programs for adolescent runaways have failed and each one is embedded historically in American culture. The first is that strict discipline and reform have been seen throughout history as the most appropriate manner by which to control youth. The second…

Scholars, teachers, and practitioners of technical communication are empowered by developments in postmodernism, especially in the face of the historical privileging of the generators of specialized knowledge. Developments in four areas--the rhetoric of science, social constructionism, feminist critiques of science, and ethics--are of a humanistic…

Stresses the importance of the teacher's attitude toward the student in effective teaching, especially in composition courses. (RB)

Sounds a cautionary note about the advances being made in operant conditioning and describes how behaviorism might be used to control people by stripping them of their freedom and dignity. (RB)

The proper relation between religion and public schooling is addressed in this paper which reviews the secular humanist position and recommends ways to pursue the study of religion in classrooms. This dual purpose is achieved through the following process: (1) reconstruction of an empirical-naturalistic image of reality (Image 1); (2) construction…

Philosophical thinking which has stood the test of time is summarized in this document. The rationale is that all students benefit from studies of philosophical thinking emphasizing moral standards. Thinkers included are: Plato, Aristotle, Peter Abelard, Francis Bacon, Sir Thomas More, Thomas Campanella, Thomas Hobbes, Benedict Spinoza, John…

Although the concept of human potential accurately reflects central features of human nature, its current use perpetuates traditional myths of fixity, harmony, and value, calculated to cause untold mischief in social and educational practice. This book aims to demythologize the concept of potential. It shows its roots in genuine aspects of human…

Fears that the development of technology will lead to a rejection of humanistic values have prompted a number of critics to inveigh against further technological change. This document considers the differences between scientific investigation, which often occurs in the humanistic environment of the university, and technological "action," which…

High relationships were found between humanism in the classroom and personal development of students. Personal development of students tended to parallel the college level of students indicated. Suggestions are made as to what constitutes humanism in the classroom. (Author)

The author outlines his 25-year attempt to understand the dynamics of humor. He views humor as the sine qua non of self actualization and maturity. The humorist has an adamant sense of his own significance without having to prove himself better than others or to prove his worth through some role performance. Connections with humankind--past,…

An analysis of the content, process, and purposes of common evaluation practices has revealed ten specific dehumanizing effects on participating students and educators. More humanistic, alternative evaluation practices have been suggested for each. (Author/BJG)

This paper lists and discusses general research topics that have humanistic implications under Aristotle's six elements of drama, showing how the theatre arts use research from all disciplines and relate to all aspects of human endeavor. Specific research topics are also discussed, as are areas needing immediate exploration, such as aesthetic…

The document relates the proceedings of the Institute on Human Values in Medicine, which explored issues involving human values (humanities) and medicine. The purpose of the first conference is to investigate some of the questions involving this relationship and to see if there is a need for better interpolation of the knowledge of the humanities…