History of European Communication Thought (Revised Edition)

Communication studies, though emerging as an independent discipline in the United States in the 1940s, has roots that extend back to ancient Greece. As renowned communication theorist E.M. Rogers observed, "e;Anyone who steps into a new river wants to understand the source of the water and the reasons for its flow."e; "e;Where do we originate from?"e; is a question that communication studies, both a young and ancient field, must confront. This book is a quest to trace its origins. Spanning from the academies of ancient Greece over two millennia ago to the diverse digital landscapes of today, this book endeavors to transcend temporal confines and disciplinary boundaries. By examining the thoughts of scholars and philosophers across generations, it chronicles the birth, evolution, and transformation of communication ideas in Europe, sketching a "e;genealogical chart"e; of communication studies within a historical context and a broad spectrum of humanities and social sciences. As a comprehensive study of the history of Western communication thought, the author's unique interpretative approach, selective and profound, aids in expanding the reader's perspective and advancing research into communication concepts.