David Randall’s “Conversational Enlightenment” explores the 18th century’s “conversation boom” in literature, philosophy, art, and society. He shows how conversation expanded beyond elites, influencing politeness, public opinion, and even art. He argues it wasn’t just chatter but a tool for shaping ideas & the Enlightenment itself. He challenges traditional views, highlighting salons & women’s role … Continue reading The Conversational Enlightenment: the Reconception of Rhetoric in Eighteenth-century Thought David Randall (2020)
Conversation in Ancient Roman Society ** The Remergence of Sermo During the Renaissance ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Let’s start by looking at and comparing the meaning of the Latin terms “sermo” and “conversari” as they are closely related. The Meaning of Sermo The Latin term “sermo” encapsulates a rich array of … Continue reading Cicero’s Sermo ** Conversari
The Remergence of Sermo During the Renaissance ** The Great Conversation – the Evolving Dialogue of Ideas Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter The Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and scientific revolution in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by a focus on reason and critical thinking, was fueled by lively conversation, … Continue reading The Conversational Enlightenment ** Was fueled by a surprisng source, the ancient Roman art of convesration known as sermo
