An Overture to Philosophy of Communication

Winner of the Everett Lee Hunt Award 2013.
Winner of the National Communication Association (NCA) Philosophy of Communication Division’s award for Best Book.

An Overture to Philosophy of Communication: The Carrier of Meaning explores a world beyond information accumulation, stressing meaningful engagement with existence. Meaning is composed between and among persons, ideas, and activities of communicative engagement. Meaning is central to the study and practice of philosophy of communication, providing story-laden guidance.
The book examines philosophical differences between Boss and Zorba, following the development of their friendship in Zorba the Greek. Their story helps to exemplify the meaningful coordinates of philosophy of communication established in each chapter. The authors claim meaning as the pivotal conceptual terrain for philosophy of communication. This book offers a rationale for the pragmatic necessity of philosophy of communication in understanding the «how» and the «why» of orchestrating meaning from information and discourse throughout our communicative lives.

Ronald C. Arnett (PhD, Ohio University) is Chair and Professor of the Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies and the Henry Koren, C.S.Sp. Endowed Chair for Scholarly Excellence at Duquesne University. He is author or co-author of seven books and editor of three more; the Executive Director of the Eastern Communication Association; and the Centennial Scholar of Philosophy of Communication in the Eastern Communication Association.
Annette M. Holba (PhD, Duquesne University) is an associate professor jointly appointed to the Department of Communication and Media Studies and the History and Philosophy Department at Plymouth State University. She has authored or co-authored three books and edited three collections. She served as guest editor for Listening: Journal of Communication Ethics, Religion, and Culture.