Sophistic ethics in the technical writing classroom: Teaching<i>nomos,</i>deliberation, and action

J. Blake Scott Pennsylvania State University

Abstract

Drawing on arguments by Carolyn Miller, Steven Katz, and others, this essay claims that teaching ethics is particularly important to technical writing. Next, the essay outlines a classical, sophistic approach to ethics based on the theories and pedagogies of Protagoras, Gorgias, and Isocrates. This sophistic approach emphasizes the Greek concept of nomos, internal and external deliberation, and responsible action or articulation. The final section of the essay discusses possible problems and pedagogical applications of sophistic ethics in the contemporary technical writing classroom.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
1995-03-01
DOI
10.1080/10572259509364596
Open Access
Closed
Topics

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (6)

  1. Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  4. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Technical Communication Quarterly
Show all 6 →
  1. Journal of Business and Technical Communication

Cites in this index (6)

  1. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  2. Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. Rhetoric Review
  5. Written Communication
Show all 6 →
  1. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Also cites 2 works outside this index ↓
  1. 10.2307/378062
  2. 10.2307/375964
CrossRef global citation count: 8 View in citation network →