On Symbols and Society

On Symbols and Society
Author: Kenneth Burke
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Total Pages: 348
Release: 1989-07-15
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 9780226080789

Kenneth Burke's innovative use of dramatism and dialectical method have made him a powerful critical force in an extraordinary variety of disciplines—education, philosophy, history, psychology, religion, and others. While most widely acclaimed as a literary critic, Burke has elaborated a perspective toward the study of behavior and society that holds immense significance and rich insights for sociologists. This original anthology brings together for the first time Burke's key writings on symbols and social relations to offer social scientists access to Burke's thought. In his superb introductory essay, Joseph R. Gusfield traces the development of Burke's approach to human action and its relationship to other similar sources of theory and ideas in sociology; he discusses both Burke's influence on sociologists and the limits of his perspective. Burke regards literature as a form of human behavior—and human behavior as embedded in language. His lifework represents a profound attempt to understand the implications for human behavior based on the fact that humans are "symbol-using animals." As this volume demonstrates, the work that Burke produced from the 1930s through the 1960s stands as both precursor and contemporary key to recent intellectual movements such as structuralism, symbolic anthropology, phenomenological and interpretive sociology, critical theory, and the renaissance of symbolic interaction.

Self, Symbols, and Society

Self, Symbols, and Society
Author: Nathan Rousseau
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 392
Release: 2002
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 9780742516311

Students of social psychology can read in this new text original writings assembled from the founders of sociology in the nineteenth century to the latest influential works by contemporary sociologists today. Readers can gain from this book a greater appreciation of social history, deeper self-knowledge, and a heightened sense of civic concern and responsibility. Visit our website for sample chapters!

Symbols in Society

Symbols in Society
Author: Hugh Dalziel Duncan
Publisher:
Total Pages: 270
Release: 1972
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN:

Secrets of the Lost Symbol

Secrets of the Lost Symbol
Author: John Michael Greer
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
Total Pages: 120
Release: 2010-09-08
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0738722804

Secrets of the Lost Symbol is an essential resource for Dan Brown fans who want to know the facts behind the fiction. From Abramelin the Mage to the Zohar, this encyclopedic unofficial companion guide to The Lost Symbol uncovers the forgotten histories of arcane traditions that have shaped—and still inhabit—our modern world. Discover the truth about Freemasonry—a major theme in Brown's best-selling novel—including its rituals, temples, and infamous members such as the legendary Albert Pike. Get the real story behind the Rosicrucians, the Temple of Solomon, and ancient occult rites.

Symbols

Symbols
Author: Raymond Firth
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 468
Release: 2011
Genre: Signs and symbols
ISBN: 0415694663

This book first published in 1973 offers a broad survey of the study of symbolic ideas and behaviour. The study of symbolism is popular nowadays and anthropologists have made substantial contributions to it. Raymond Firth has long been internationally known for his field research in the Solomons and Malaysia, and for his theoretical work on kinship, economics and religion. Here from a new angle, he has produced a broad survey of the study of symbolic ideas and behaviour. Professor Firth examines definitions of symbol. He traces the history of scientific inquiry into the symbolism of religious cults, mythology and dreams back into the eighteenth century. He compares some modern approaches to symbolism in art, literature and philosophy with those in social anthropology. He then cites examples in anthropological treatment of symbolic material from cultures of varying sophistication. Finally he offers dispassionate analyses of symbols used in contemporary Western situations - from hair-styles to the use and abuse of national flags; from cults of Black Jesus to the Eucharistic rite. In all this Professor Firth combines social and political topicality with a scholarly and provocative theoretical inquiry.

Symbols, Power, and Politics

Symbols, Power, and Politics
Author: Elżbieta Hałas
Publisher: Peter Lang Pub Incorporated
Total Pages: 193
Release: 2002
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9783631390603

The volume is the first one in the series Studies in Sociology: Symbols, Theory and Society. The authors from Australia, Finland, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, who contributed to it, are sociologists bound by a conviction that the study of the social context of making use of symbols cannot be underestimated. Conception of symbolism as a social phenomenon and not an autonomous semiotic system is of their common interest and a symbolic interactionist perspective is apparent in many texts. The readiness to trespass the boundaries of various approaches and disciplines is noticeable. The volume is divided into three parts: Symbols and Society. Theoretical Perspectives; Political Discourse and Symbolic Action; Religious Symbolism and Power. Symbolism of discourses, symbolic objects and symbolic actions are three intrinsically related domains that were studied.

Symbols in Arts, Religion and Culture

Symbols in Arts, Religion and Culture
Author: Farrin Chwalkowski
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Total Pages: 620
Release: 2016-12-14
Genre: Art
ISBN: 1443857289

We are a product of nature. Every single cell of our body is made of, and depends, on nature. Our inner soul is heavily influenced by nature. We feel sad if the sun is not shining for a few days, and feel pleasure when drawn to the wonder of flowers and uplifted by the song of birds. We came from nature; we are part of nature. In short, we are nature. Nature has been an intimate part of the human experience from the earliest times. Different religions and cultures, from all corners of the world, have honoured and worshipped nature in art, ritual and literature in their own unique ways. This book shows how we learn about our own human nature, our own sense of identity and how we fit into the larger scheme of life and spirit when we come to better understand how our human ancestors, through art, symbol and myth, expressed their relationship with the natural world.

The Forest of Symbols

The Forest of Symbols
Author: Victor Witter Turner
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Total Pages: 436
Release: 1967
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780801491016

Collection of 10 articles previously published on various aspects of ritual symbolism among the Ndembu of Zambia; p.83-4; brief mention of C.P. Mountford on Aboriginal colour symbolism; Primarly for use in cultural comparison.

Symbols that Bind, Symbols that Divide

Symbols that Bind, Symbols that Divide
Author: Scott L. Moeschberger
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 227
Release: 2014-05-14
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 3319054643

This work explores the function of both divisive and uniting symbols in various conflict settings around the world. It takes a fairly broad perspective on what constitutes a symbol, to include objects such as flags, signs, language, and monuments, all of which convey conflicting meanings in a society affected by conflict. In addition, the authors include commemorations and other dynamic events that serve as a means for groups or individuals to connect with past generations, celebrate a heritage, and possibly express religiosity. In order to provide context for the nuances surrounding the symbols, there are brief historical overviews for each conflict featured in the volume. In each chapter, three issues are emphasized: the particular symbols that are divisive in the specific culture; how these symbols were used to perpetuate conflict; and how these symbols can be used or modified to bring unification. Contributions come from authors from around the world that have conducted empirical studies on intergroup relationships or have provided significant academic contributions in the area of symbols and collective memories represented in theoretical publications. Taken together, the contents of the volume provide a rich tapestry of intellectual analyses to the diverse selection of conflict settings from around the globe. In addition to the nine case studies, there is an introductory chapter, which grounds the discussion in current peace psychology literature as well as provides future directions. This volume is a valuable resource to many, as the focus on symbols can span many disciplines such as political science, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and art. Furthermore, it is of significant interest to all scholars and peace activists studying these various countries and their conflicts.