Pragmatics of Human Communication: A Study of Interactional Patterns, Pathologies and Paradoxes

By Janet Helmick BeavinDon D. JacksonPaul Watzlawick, et al.

Book Overview

After defining certain general concepts, the authors present basic characteristics of human communication and illustrate their manifestations and potential pathologies. Then the systemic aspects of human interactions that arise from the patterning of specific characteristics of communication are exemplified by the analysis of Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? They then extend it to psychotherapeutic double binds and the technique of "prescribing the symptom." In conclusion, they postulate about man's communication with reality in the existential sense.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393010090
• ISBN13: 9780393010091
• Release Date: March 1967
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.9" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A surprising great, readable, and useful academic work

This book has the trappings of a typical academic, scholarly work, with ten zillion references and each chapter broken down into sections (1.1, 1.2, etc.) discussing a specific topic in each section. By section 1.2 (not far into the book!), I was becoming put off, because the author launched into a discussing of "the mathematical concept of functions." As I "sat through" this explanation, I was wondering "why the hell am I reading about mathematical function in a book titled the Pragmatics of Communication." Still, I stuck with it, and later in the book, the author tied everything together. I stuck with it because the book is so readable, and the points the author makes are so eye-opening, that I truly enjoyed reading it. I suspect you will, to, regardless of the level of your interest in academic or scholarly works! One thing about a great book - you get an appetite for more! Unfortunately, based on other reviewers comments, other Watzlawick works do not rise to the level shown here, so if you have to chose one, chose this one!

One of the best on human interaction

This book is one of the best on human interaction. It shows us why we fall into certain patterns and end up trapped in our own interaction cycles. If you are looking for insight about what is really going on in relationships, this is a great book. It is slightly technical but the majority is understandable to most people without much expertise in communication or psychology. A book that is even more understandable and insightful is Rhythm, Relationships, and Transcendence by Toru Sato. Both authors are excellent and are forerunners in the field of relationships right now. I'd recommend both very much!

If understood deeply, this could save you a lot of grief

This book has had a profound influence on my life. Not a day goes by that I do not use the knowledge of interactional patterns that I gleaned from Watzlawick et al. I have used these concepts in my therapy practice, in everyday life, in fights with my wife, and in understanding both historical and current world events. The writing is clear and understandable. The concepts are elegant. This is a must read for any student of human behavior.

One of the best books on communication ever written.

I read this book some 30 years ago, as a graduate student. I was then highly impressed by its cogency and readability. Rereading it now, I have nothing to change in my highest rating of this unusual book. Now that I am going back to teaching, I will certainly use it if there is a Spanish translation available. I have read other works by Watzlawick, but this one remains without a doubt his best. I wish he'd write a new edition, since I am sure he's accumulated countless experiences and ideas in the years that have elapsed. I highly recommend this book to all people interested in interaction and communication.

Do not miss it

How could I be the first person to rate this universal masterpiece? This is one of the 5 to 10 books that should be read by everybody. It has some absolute value, regardless of the historical or personal contingencies of the reader. If you miss it it will only be your fault...