Abstract
An open dialogue discussing dialectics, contradictions & the literature of the absurd as heuristically valuable to an understanding of American society. Institutions established to solve or address problems create new problems through their "solutions." The issue of "meaning," once it is defined, is discussed. If one's actions within an institutional complex only create problems, how does one live a meaningful life? Absurdist existentialist literature is drawn upon to question fundamental sociological presuppositions, eg, is social man/woman really a "consonance seeker" or, perhaps, a "dissonance creator"? The issue of personal/institutional rebellion as a form of transcendence is suggested. Contemporary examples from American society are solicited & discussed. (See SA 20:1-2/F3416 & SA17:5/D8982/ASA/1969/0231.).