Pragmatism in the Field of Communication Theory

This article reconsiders Craig’s (1999) constitutive metamodel of communication theory as a field in light of Russill’s (2004, 2005) critique and proposal of a pragmatist tradition of communication theory. After reviewing the constitutive metamodel, I examine Russill’s argument and assess its implications for a reconstructed field of communication theory including pragmatism as a distinct tradition. I argue, in conclusion, that the problems of pluralistic community in the field of communication theory are not unconnected to the corresponding problems in society generally.