The Convergence of William Stephenson's and Marshal McLuhan's Communication Theories

Abstract

This essay develops the thesis that the communication theories of William Stephenson and Marshall McLuhan share a set of core concepts. These central issues will be compared in order that each of these iconoclastic theorist's ideas can be seen as enriching those of the other. These four areas will be discussed: 1) exploration and facts; 2) the self and medium; 3) quantum-theory, complementarity, and transitive and substantive thought; 4) communication pleasure and play in the communication process. Probing Stephenson's clarion call for Q methodology as the new methodology for McLuhan's new epistemology, this paper searches for the underpinnings of that convergence in communication theory.