GROUNDED PRACTICAL THEORY - THE CASE OF INTELLECTUAL DISCUSSION

A research program on intellectual discussion in academic institutions is presented as a case that illustrates a method for constructing gro unded practical communication theory. Within a practical discipline pe rspective, theory is conceived as a rational reconstruction of practic es for the purpose of informing further practice and reflection. The t heoretical reconstruction of communication practices can be undertaken at three interrelated levels of analysis, here called the technical, problem, and philosophical levels. Based on interpretive discourse ana lysis of recorded departmental colloquia and interviews with participa nts, we identify a complex interactional dilemma that arises within th is type of communicative situation (problem level), specific technique s by which participants attempt to cope with that dilemma (technical l evel), and two situated ideals to which they have recourse for reflect ing on the normative basis of their own and others' actions (philosoph ical level). Because of the ways grounded practical theory differs fro m other theoretical approaches, we argue that existing criteria for ev aluating theories must be rethought within this radically reflexive en terprise.