Le sens de la cité

The author analyses the significations of the City in the western tradition, by choosing examples in the texts of Antiquity, of christianity and of modern thought. He brings out the political, ethical and imaginary dimensions of the city and accentuates some of its major characteristics : the wish to live together, the intertwining of differences, the pursuit of balance. He points out that along with its historical decline, the notion of city has become pregnant with nostalgic or ideal tonalities which encourage criticism and self-criticism. Thus, the city has been prepared to call into question the conditions of urban life and to be concerned with the meaning of the relationships developing therein.