{"product_id":"sociability-and-society-literature-and-the-symposium-9781503630987","title":"Sociability and Society: Literature and the Symposium","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eK. Ludwig Pfeiffer encourages us to reflect on the cultural and literary history of social gatherings, such as the Athenian symposium, as an institution of sociability with a central societal function. He draws on the work of writers such as Dr. Samuel Johnson and Diderot, Virginia Woolf and Marcel Proust, Dorothy Sayers, Joseph Conrad, and Stieg Larsson to argue that modern societies must find ways of reinstating elements of the symposium, especially those relating to its ritualized ease, decency, and style of interaction, to cope with increasing violence and decreasing social cohesion. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 300 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 03 April 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Stanford University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn today's world, the traditional institutions of social solidarity, such as churches, political parties, trade unions, and even national sports teams, are no longer a guarantee of unity and togetherness. As society faces the challenges of disintegration, it is crucial to reflect on the cultural and literary history of social gatherings. K. Ludwig Pfeiffer encourages us to delve into the rich tapestry of social events, from the ancient Athenian symposium to its successor forms throughout Western history.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePfeiffer conceptualizes the symposium as an institution of sociability, with a central societal function. He draws on the work of various writers, including Dr. Samuel Johnson and Diderot, Virginia Woolf and Marcel Proust, Dorothy Sayers, Joseph Conrad, and Stieg Larsson, to reinforce his argument. He emphasizes the importance of reinstating elements of the Athenian symposium, particularly those related to its ritualized ease, decency, and style of interaction, to address the growing violence and decreasing social cohesion in modern societies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe symposium, as envisioned by Pfeiffer, was a gathering of individuals who came together to engage in intellectual and social discourse. It was characterized by a sense of ritualized ease, decency, and style of interaction that fostered a deep sense of community and mutual understanding. The participants, representing different backgrounds and perspectives, would gather in a relaxed and informal setting, engaging in lively debates, sharing ideas, and enjoying each other's company.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key features of the symposium was its emphasis on dialogue and mutual learning. The participants were encouraged to engage in open and honest communication, challenging each other's ideas and seeking to understand their perspectives. This type of interaction promoted a sense of empathy and understanding, which was essential for building social cohesion and promoting social harmony.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMoreover, the symposium was a place where individuals could showcase their talents and skills. Whether it was through poetry, music, or storytelling, the participants had the opportunity to express themselves and share their creativity with others. This not only fostered a sense of personal fulfillment but also contributed to the collective identity of the symposium.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the symposium, as an institution of sociability, played a crucial role in promoting social solidarity and togetherness in ancient societies. Today, as we face the challenges of disintegration, it is essential to revisit the principles and practices of the symposium to foster social cohesion and promote social harmony in our modern societies. By reinstating elements of the Athenian symposium, such as dialogue, mutual learning, and the celebration of creativity, we can build a more inclusive and resilient community that is capable of facing the challenges of the 21st century.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 229 x 152 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781503630987\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"K. Ludwig Pfeiffer","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44162062156026,"sku":"9781503630987","price":44.47,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1680878065176_book.jpg?v=1681111258","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/sociability-and-society-literature-and-the-symposium-9781503630987","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}