Ethics in Contact Rhetoric - (Lexington Studies in Contemporary Rhetoric) by Jon Radwan & Dale Cyphert & Ellen W Gorsevski (Hardcover)

About the Book

To counterbalance traditional communication ethics grounded in linguistic or symbolic rhetorical theories, Ethics in Contact Rhetoric de-centers discourse and begins with bodies and the art of dance to formulate an immediate bio-relational communication theory-contact rhetoric-that addresses the full physical and moral range of rhetorical force.

Book Synopsis

Ethics in Contact Rhetoric re-orients communication theory by centering touch and de-centering symbolic acts. Inspired by MLK's tradition of nonviolent power, a contact orientation highlights the incarnate and immediate ground of communication ethics. Ethical interactions are defined as bio-relational dances arcing steps of nurture, respect, justice, and too often, violence. Centering humanity's physical mutuality is a vital move today. Communication is a thoroughly interactive art, but the West's ancient "instrumental" tradition of rhetoric and its accompanying utilitarian ethic valorize individual agency over joint action. This book re-balances rhetorical theory by enabling critique of embodied relational patterns. Special emphasis is placed on engaging material injustice and discerning the role of rhetoric in social transformation. Critical case studies demonstrate contact rhetoric's rich heuristic and diverse applications.

Review Quotes

"In an age dominated by digital media, Ethics in Contact Rhetoric offers a crucial reminder of the importance of physical presence and embodied interaction, urging us to reconsider how ethical communication can be maintained in increasingly virtual and mediated spaces. It challenges conventional rhetoric with a fresh perspective, centering dance as a powerful metaphor for understanding relational dynamics, justice, and the fabric of social life; in its own words, '...human development begins in contact and later grows into language and media.'" --Jaroslav Franc, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic

"This creative volume embodies ideas as a poetic dance of discourse. Refreshing and inspiring, ideas leap forth from a stunning array of classical and contemporary sources ranging across philosophy of communication, communication ethics, rhetoric, and theology to open new opportunities for meaningful contact and enduring hope. Here is rhetoric in a genuinely new key. Astounding!" --Janie M. H. Fritz, Duquesne University

"The authors have done a stellar job navigating the axiological assumptions of the fields of communication and rhetoric with regards to the ontological assumptions that often go unchecked, and yet have real impact on our approaches to rhetoric, the nature of personness, and our relationships with one another." --Anthony M. Wachs, Duquesne University

About the Author

Jon Radwan is associate professor of communication and director of the Institute for Communication and Religion in Seton Hall University's College of Human Development, Culture, and Media.
Dale Cyphert is professor emerita, Wilson College of Business, University of Northern Iowa.
Ellen W. Gorsevski is associate professor in the School of Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University.
Omar Swartz is associate professor of political science at the University of Colorado Denver.