Communication and Community: Implications of Martin Buber's Dialogue

by Ronald C. Arnett, Maurice Friedman (Foreword)

Martin Buber’s work suggests that real life begins with two individ­uals engaged in dialogue, not just taking care of one’s own needs as described in social Darwinism.

 

Arnett argues that the end of the age of abundance demands that we give up the communica­tive strategies of the past and seek to work together in the midst of limited resources and an uncertain future. Today’s situa­tion calls for an unwavering commitment to Buber’s “narrow ridge” concern for both self and community.

 

Arnett illustrates the narrow ridge definition of interpersonal communication with rich ex­amples. His vignettes demon­strate effective and ineffective approaches to human communi­ty. An effective approach, he makes clear, incorporates not only openness to others’ points of view but also a willingness to be persuaded.

 

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1986

About the author

Ronald C. Arnett is Chair and Professor of the Affiliated Departments of Communication and English at Duquesne University. He is the author of three books: Dwell in Peace: Applying Nonviolence to Everyday Relationships; Communication and Community: Implications of Martin Buber's Dialogue, for which he received the 1988 Book Award by the Religious Speech Association; and Dialogic Education: Conversations About Ideas and Between People. He is also the coeditor of The Further Reach of Dialogue and Community Ethics in an Age of Diversity.

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best book that I have ever read. If you allow it, it can change your perspective on life.

[Mark]

Found copy of COCC and looks interesting. CASCADES B 3213 . B84 A87 1986