In The Concept of Conversation, David Randall argues that conversation, often overlooked in history, profoundly shaped early modern Europe. He reveals how it transformed from elite philosophical discourse to encompass friendship, salons, the press, and even women’s voices. Challenging Habermas’s view, Randall sees conversation, not just rational public debate, as central to intellectual progress, with Continue reading The Concept of Conversation: From Cicero’s Sermo to the Grand Siecle’s Conversation David Randall (2019)
The Great Conversation links thinkers, traditions, and questions across thousands of years. Viewing history as separate episodes hides the deeper reality that it is the ongoing conversation of humankind, a dialogue that began around early campfires. Seeing it this way shows that each of us can contribute to this continuing exchange. Continue reading The Great Conversation The evolving dialogue of ideas over millennia
In 17th- and 18th-century Europe, salons became lively centres of conversation and exchange. Yet their deeper significance is often overlooked beyond their reputation for refinement and manners. By revisiting these gatherings, we can see how they shaped ideas, relationships, and the public life that helped define the Enlightenment. Continue reading Salons A gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host
