The Limits of Togetherness.

Abstract

This paper makes a distinction between conversation and communication (signal transfer which may, or may not, be conversational). The word "conversation " is given an interpretation, which ref.1nes its COIIBDonsense meaning. conversation maintains the autonor;Jy or identity of systems and, also, generates independencies between systems (human, societal, or others), which is a prerequisite of dialogue. The natural habitat of human beings is, increasingly, an "information environment " where communication and computation have altered suppositions about signal distance, or "togetherness". Limits are discussed with emph... sis upon the hazards engendered by too much togetherness in person-person or wan-machine interaction. Because it is possible to comment, cogently, upon the nature of conversation. these limits can be recognised and remedie's to the malfunctioning which is likely to occur if they are exceeded, are proposed. The Limits of togetherness The popularised word "togetherness " aptly captures a general notion of human proximity, of meeting and speaking, or dancing together at a festival. Social groups. be they families urban communities Or the older universities, have institutions which promote togetherness; the dining table, a market, or a cafe 3S the case may be. On more or less ritualised occ3sions, and in the traditional places, humans converse; either verbally, or by image and gesture. I submit that the oonversation which occurs, debate and sometimes agreement, is the stuff of ciVilised life and togetherness is essential to it. On the other hand ther e are also limits upon "togetherne ss"; too much of it, for example. gives rise to specific symptoms of individual and social malaise. These symptoms typically appear when the communication, allowed by proximity. is not conversation. 1

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