Ernst Haeckel's ControversiaI Visual Rhetoric

Abstract

Ernst Haeckel was a fascinating German scientist, philosopher, and advocate of social Darwinism who sought to reinvent science as the basis of all knowledge and best guide for human activities. His monistic and vitalistic philosophy of science influenced later German holistic science and Nazi pseudo-science. Recent research reveals several of his most famous illustrations, of embryos of various animals and that are still published today, to be incorrect and probably knowingly so. The complex rhetorical connection between theory and visual support is revealed, as creationist critics contend that the falsity of the visuals implies the refutation of evolution. We see that our decisions made in crafting illustrations carry serious rhetorical and ethical implications for various audiences.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
2003-07-01
DOI
10.1207/s15427625tcq1203_5
Open Access
Closed
Topics

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (7)

  1. Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Technical Communication Quarterly
Show all 7 →
  1. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Technical Communication Quarterly

Cites in this index (0)

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Also cites 9 works outside this index ↓
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