A Completion to the Traditions Matrix-Standard - R. T. Craig, Induced By the Transformation of Communication-As-A-Field Membrane in Communication-As-A-Universe Membrane
Ştefan Vlăduţescu
Abstract
The study is part of the Communication Ontology. We aim to find a solution for the contradiction which
appeared between the actual communication complexity (Communication-as-a-Universe Membrane) and the
functional theorization accredited by the Communication-as-a-Field Membrane (Robert T. Craig). First, a
critical analysis of the classification criteria is performed, to which Robert T. Craig refers in his study called
“Communication theory as a field” (1999). We reveal that so called Matrix-Standard - R. T. Craig (of the
„seven major traditions” of the „communication theory field”) can be updated. We can also notice that the
taxonomy of “traditions”, as a rule accepted in the USA and in UK, was questioned there, as well. David
Myers’ (2001) and Chris Russill’s (2005) articles are remarkable, to which R. T. Craig replied in different
ways (2001, 2007). F. Cooren instantiates “A response to Craig’s call: Communication as ventriloquism”
(2012). With a few exceptions at high level (such as Wolfgang Donsbach) the standard R. T. Craig hasn’t
found a full resonance in Europe. As a completion to the Traditions Matrix-Standard – R. T. Craig, we
suggest the Communication Axes Matrix-Standard, based on the axialization” thesis of the study of
communication. So, the study of communication is divided according to the adherence to the ideas expressed
by the 15 axes. The Matrix-Standard - R. T. Craig, by calling himself “of traditions”, could have stressed
communication study dispersal, due to communication natural evolution. The Axes’ Matrix-Standard confutes
him by regarding the discipline of communication as a unity of fields organized on different axes between
which there is a mutual competitive stimulation. If “traditions” remain steady, in terms of number and
configuration, as the past is gone, the axes are alive both as internal development and as numerical
amplification. The axialization is necessary because communication is not only a field. Communication is a
patchy and a heterogeneous universe: a multi-space and a multi-structure cosmos. The two taxonomic matrixstandards
are situated in two ideational contradiction membranes. The Communication-as-a-Field Membrane
is breaking by the Communication-as-a-Universe Membrane.
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