The Voice of the Other: A Dialogico-Rhetorical Understanding of Opponent and Toulmin’s Rebuttal

Although contemporary dialectical logic recognizes an important role for the opponent in argumentation, it remains loyal to the idea that arguments are supportive. In this paper, it is argued that because of this dialectical logic does not take seriously its own dialogical perspective. Without acknowledging a substantial role for rebutting factors in argumentation, the role of the opponent remains secondary. Toulmin’s understanding of the rebuttal suggests a way to incorporate such a substantial role of the opponent

Trust no truth : an analysis of the visual translation styles in the conspiracy film

This study investigates the manner in which cinematic visual translation styles can be used to incorporate dominant and subversive historical versions in fictional narratives constructed within the conspiracy film genre. Fictional characters in a conspiracy film are often tasked with a mission to discover the alternative historical accounts, accounts which for all intents and purposes are regularly kept hidden from the public eye. These accounts are presented as a plausible and often unconventional narrative which challenges the dominant version of events. A visual translation style is a term used to describe the various methods in which a film can be shot and edited in order to create a specific aesthetic and communicate a specific idea. These styles can consist of camera movements, shot sizes or editing techniques, all of which aid in communicating a specific idea in a film. This study analyses the conventions of the conspiracy film, with regard to the manner in which the alternative and dominant versions of historical accounts are constructed. Furthermore, the study explores how these alternative and hegemonic historical events are presented and communicated through the use of visual translation styles. Theorists such as Jean Baudrillard and David Bordwell are referenced when discussing the meaning and application of terms such as “truth”, “narrative” and “history” and to problematise these notions in the context of this particular genre. Other key notions investigated include aporia, metalanguage and object-language and notions of genre theory. The conceptual and theoretical framework regarding visual translation styles is further complemented by writers such as Don Fairservice and Ken Dancyger.Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2012.Dramaunrestricte

Rhetoric at Work : A Discursive Approach to the Rhetorical Notion of Allegory

博士(文学)神戸市外国語大

An Exploration of Resistance to Change in Organisations: Multidimensional, Problematizing Research

Through this interpretive, social constructionist research I explore the multidimensionality of resistance to planned change within organisations and problematize (Alvesson & Karreman, 2007) the literature by challenging assumptions within it. The research objectives are to: develop a multidimensional conceptual framework of resistance to change; to introduce the concept of constructive discontent into the conceptual framework, considering both positive and negative aspects of resistance and the lack thereof; to provide a socially constructed interpretation of who resists change, why they resist and how that resistance manifests, and where appropriate to findings, to expose assumptions underlying the literature and offer challenge to these assumptions. Taking a social constructionist approach and pursuing a qualitative methodology, the research is based on 15 semi-structured interviews with participants from a UK Business School with experience of working in a range of organisations within the private, public and voluntary sectors. A picture of resistance emerges, rich in its multidimensionality. Eight dimensions of resistance are identified, each of which is multi-faceted: Value; Character; Impact; the Actors; Engagement; Language; Temporal and Spatial. The literature considers the dimensions of resistance in a fragmented manner, identifying few and focusing upon a limited number at any one time. A central contribution of this research is to unite this fractured literature through the creation of a single, multidimensional conceptualisation of the phenomenon. I make multiple revelatory and incremental contributions to knowledge and practice through building on the existing literature and contributing to neglected areas within the areas of who resists change, how change is resisted, and the language and impact of resistance. I contribute to practice through providing conceptual frameworks and diagrams, or lenses, through which practitioners might view resistance. I turn the traditional conceptualisation of resistance on its head, so that resistance is welcomed and compliance becomes a cause of concern