Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 2002

Language and Empiricism

Paul M. Dombrowski University of Central Florida

Abstract

The connection between language and empiricism is a central issue in technical writing and communication, more so than in other fields. Our field deals with technical and scientific knowledge which is oftentimes very definite and objective, yet there has been increasing recognition over the past few decades that this knowledge is socially constructed and rhetorically negotiated. Debates have ensued over the rhetoricity of technical communication in contrast to its empirical and instrumental aspects. W. V Quine, one of the most influential American philosophers of the twentieth century, however, rejected the distinction between empirical knowledge and knowledge stemming from language and social negotiation. Understanding technical writing and communication through the lens of Quine's theory ameliorates the tension between instrumental and rhetorical/humanistic views of technical discourse by recognizing the validity of both views and integrating the two. This understanding in turn will facilitate our pedagogical interactions with technical and scientific majors.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2002-01-01
DOI
10.2190/ttv6-b87v-fbh9-5800
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Topics
rhetorical criticism discourse analysis writing pedagogy technical communication
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (3)

  1. Dombrowski (2011)
    Practicing “Safe” Technical Communication
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Andrus (2010)
    A Legal Discourse of Transparency: Discursive Agency and Domestic Violence in t…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Woerkum (2007)
    Orality and the Process of Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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CrossRef global citation count: 3 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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