Boxing Plato's Shadow: An Introduction to the Study of Human Communication

by Michael Dues, Mary Louise Brown

Designed to introduce students to the academic discipline of Communication, this text describes the scope and methods of communication studies, and sketches its history from the work of the early sophists to contemporary research efforts. Boxing Plato’s Shadow helps explain why, despite its long and venerable history of scholarly endeavor, Communication continues to struggle for recognition of its legitimate place in the academy. Throughout, the authors emphasize the field's durability over more than two millennia and the merits of multiple systematic approaches to the study of communication.

Genres: Nonfiction

105 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 1998

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book began and ended strong. I feel like Chapters 3 and 4, which described communication theories and methods that emerged in the 20th century, where a bit scattered. Overall, though, it was an insightful read.

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brown's argument was excellent. It is true that the western world has viewed 'sophistry' in its most negative sense, and this is primarily due to Plato and his use of the great Socrates. My only criticism of this work was her lack of defining the essential qualities that distinguish the so-called "good" sophist/rhetorician from the bad one (But that was not necessarily the intention of this book, so take this particular criticism with a grain of salt).

It was also valuable to see another work point out how technology (from printing press to internet) has changed the way human beings communicate; especially as it relates to the massive difference between cultures which majored in 'memorization' and more or less, our own which doesn't even minor in it. What's the use of remembering anything if you have it on your bookshelf or stored away on your kindle? Internalizing information actually makes all the difference; but that is just my opinion.

[Nicole Hadenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for a class. It was a good quick run through of what communication is if that is your major, which is the case for me. I plan to keep it and look back on it while I work through my Bachelor's degree.

[N.A.K. Baldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a great introduction to communication, there is no better text to start you off.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slight but very readable survey and overview of the history of the communications discipline. Clearly-written and comprehensive.

[RC M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book for every one who want to illuminated your wisdom.