Toward Sociocultural Sensitivity in Rhetorical Studies of Analogy: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations

Joseph Little

doi:10.2190/4pdh-8y8k-krrp-7ae4

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 2001

Toward Sociocultural Sensitivity in Rhetorical Studies of Analogy: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations

Joseph Little University of California, Santa Barbara

Abstract

In their macroscopic approach to analogy, rhetorical studies project the latent assumption that sound analogical reasoning is a universal property of human consciousness rather than a socioculturally inherited practice that varies over time and place. After drawing briefly from landmark work in the social sciences to show notable cases of cultural variation in analogical reasoning, I present Lev Vygotsky's concept of internalization and Dedre Gentner's structure mapping theory of analogy as fruitful theoretical and methodological avenues through which to detect sociocultural variation in analogical reasoning practices in science.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 2001-07-01
DOI: 10.2190/4pdh-8y8k-krrp-7ae4
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Open Access: Closed
Topics: rhetorical criticism
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Cited by in this index (3)

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The Role of Analogy in George Gamow's Derivation of Drop Energy

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Analogy in science: Where do we go from here?

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Confusion in the Classroom: Does Logos Mean Logic?

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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Toward Sociocultural Sensitivity in Rhetorical Studies of Analogy: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations

Abstract

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (3)

References (22) · 4 in this index

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