Written Communication Jan 1999

The Human Rhetorical Potential

TODD V. OAKLEY

Abstract

This article explores the possible grounds for a research program in cognitive rhetoric that aims to forge a tight link between the structures of meaning and structures of brain, body, and world. In section one, I outline a theory of human meaning-making in terms of pragmatic, epistemic, and symbolic actions as they relate to the principles of intentionality, projection, publicity, and materiality. In section two, I consider recent global theories of mind and brain to assess the theory's neurological plausibility. The common link between these two sections is the phrase, “tombstone technology,” taken from the voice-over narration from a television show about plane crashes. I first analyze this construction in terms of its effects on attention, value, categorization, and memory; I then use it to speculate on the neurophysiological processes subtending our ability to use symbolic resources to make inferences and decisions. I conclude with some suggestions for future research in discourse production and comprehension.

Journal
Written Communication
Published
1999-01-01
DOI
10.1177/0741088399016001005
Open Access
Closed
Topics
voice and style

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Jack et al. (2010)
    “This is Your Brain on Rhetoric”: Research Directions for Neurorhetorics
    Rhetoric Society Quarterly
  2. Eubanks et al. (2004)
    A dialogue between traditional and cognitive rhetoric: Readings of figuration i…
    Rhetoric Society Quarterly

Cites in this index (2)

  1. BRACEWELL (1999)
    Objects of Study in Situated Literacy
    Written Communication
  2. Kearns (1996)
    Reading novels: Toward a cognitive rhetoric
    Rhetoric Society Quarterly
Also cites 22 works outside this index ↓
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    Metaphors we live by
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  14. 10.1037/0033-295X.99.4.587
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    Hand and mind: What gestures reveal about thought
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CrossRef global citation count: 17 View in citation network →

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