The Enigma of Communication

"of all things communication is the most wonderful" = Dewey's admiration for communication "communication" can be interpreted in different ways = Different interpretations of communication Two alternative conceptions of communication = Conflict in definitions of communication Use of communication as a device for vivifying our studies = Application of communication in studies Both definitions derive from religious origi = Religious origins of communication definitions

Absence in most literature = Uniqueness of Dewey's work Enigmatic comments = Dewey's style of expressing ideas Creative tension = Contradiction in definitions of communication Distance control = One of the conceptions of communication

Enduring movement = One of the conceptions of communication Experience with the mass media = Influence on interpretation of 'communication' Same contradiction he perceived = Reference to Dewey's understanding of communication 19th century = Time period when two conceptions of communication emerged

Repeating his insights or duplicating his errors = Approach to studying Dewey's work False or mundane = Possible interpretations of 'communication' Satisfying/rewarding/unwinnable = Possible experiences with communication Western thought = Source of two definitions of communication

Distance control = One of Dewey's conceptions of communication Enduring movement = Alternative conception of communication Religious origi = Source of both definitions of communication Creative tension = Result of conflict between communication definitions