Alternative theoretical bases: Toward a presuppositional critique

The more mature sciences began with extensive descriptions and interpretations of their objects of study. Communication has largely bypassed this necessary first step and has proceeded to questions of theory construction. The three position papers presuppose the existence of communicative phenomena appropriate for subsumption by their modes of explanation. This presupposition has been responsible, in part, for the theoretical confusion which gave rise to the perceived need for this symposium. We must engage in basic descriptive and interpretational work before we know what, if anything, needs theoretical accounting.