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The book covers argumentation and conflict resolution from diverse theoretical perspectives: semantic, semiotic, rhetorical, dialectical,and human relations points of view in particular. Several argumentation theories are summarized along with a grounding in general semantics,organizational behavior, total quality management, and ethical interpersonal relations. The concept of a mindful dialectic is introduced and developed in the text. The mindful dialectic involves the pursuit of dispute resolution and conflict management in the most harmonious and least offensive manner available to someone involved in a disagreement. The mindful dialectic prefers the gentle and the genteel to the less than gentle and genteel in human relations while retaining an openness to being other than kind and diplomatic if unusual circumstances demand it. Improving human relations in controversy constitutes the primary thrust of the text and its methods.

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Richard Fiordo earned his BA in English from Northern Illinois University, his MA in Speech from San Francisco State College, and his PhD in Speech Communication from the University of Illinois - Urbana. He has served as a professor of communication and an administrator in higher education in the US and Canada.

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