In the book Conversation: A History of a Declining Art, Stephen Miller pursues a lifelong interest in conversation by taking a historical and philosophical view of the subject. He chronicles the art of conversation in Western civilization from its beginnings in ancient Greece to its apex in eighteenth-century Britain to its current endangered state in Continue reading Conversation: A History of a Declining Art Stephen Miller (2007)
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 Enlightenment, known as the “Age of Reason,” was a profound intellectual exploration in the 17th and 18th centuries. It challenged traditional authority by advocating reason, freedom, and secular governance. This shift in thought laid the groundwork for modern political and social structures, emphasizing liberty, progress, and tolerance. Continue reading The Enlightenment The Age of Reason
People have gathered around campfires and in countless other places to talk and share ideas. Over time these gatherings evolved into coffeehouses, salons, and clubs. The ability to create such conversational spaces is not confined to history; anyone can shape their own place for dialogue, connection, and shared understanding today. Continue reading Introduction: Conversational Spaces Meeting places for conversations
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
