PHILOSOPHY - CH 3

language?

system of communication involving set of symbols which can either be spoken/written/nonverbal.

functions of language

1) informative → make true/false statements *ex) CSUF is in california

2) directive → use of impairatives to direct/influence actions *ex) someone holds the door open bc i said so

3) expressive → communicates feelings + attitudes, used to bring on emotional impact/response *ex) lyrics in somgs show artist's emotions

4) ceremonial → used in official/formal settings *ex) language used when at job interview

denotative meaning?

expresses essential attributes of something like official dictionary def

ex) dog is the common name for canis familiaris

Connotative meaning?

based on past experience/association. can either be positive or negative

ex) someone calling their friend “dog” bc they are loyal

stipulative definition?

given to new terms that emerge within language. Outdated terms that are replaced with new words.

ex) charm → rizz, greatest of all time → GOAT, etc.

theoretical definition?

used to define scientific terms + concepts

ex) entropy

Operational definition?

use of boundary/threshold to create standardization. makes sure a word is consistent in use/definition

ex) adults are categorized as 18+, children are categorized as anyone >18, obesity is categorized by specific BMI score, etc.

persuasive definition?

used to get others to accept ones pov. heavily biased + person is trying to convince u to think of something same way as them

ex) taxation is theft. capitalism is theft.

(can often tell if persuasive bc they use emotional language)

5 criteria of evaluating definition

1) neither too biased nor too narrow → too specific/too vague.

2) states all essential attributes → core/defining features

3) not circular → doesnt include the word in definition

4) doesnt include overly technical/obscure language → use comprehensive speech for appropriate audience/situations

5) avoids emotional language → stay neutral in explanation

5 rhetorical devices

1) Euphemism → take negative/neutral words and replace with a positive word to sugarcoat truth *ex) someone died → “theyre in a better place”

2) Dysphemism → replacing postive/neutral word with negative to create disapproval *ex) calling someone who is pro choice “anti-life”, suggests they are a bad person

3) Sarcasm → use of irony/ridicule/taunting to make light of something or to delfect critical analysis *ex) saying “im having the time of my life” while waiting 3 hours at DMV

4) hyperbole → use of exaggeration to distort truth *ex) class was so boring i literally died

5) deception → <active deception = deliberately saying something false to mislead; ex) someone cheats and says they didnt > + <passive deception = witholding truth; ex) cheater says they had a good day but doesnt mention its bc they saw someone earlier>

4 communication styles

1) Aggressive → wants to get their way @ all costs even if damages relationships *ex) demands roommate to clean up + talks about how they are bad

2) Passive → wants to acoid confrontation @ all costs + backs down easily *ex) uncomfortable with confrontation, states other roommates are complaining + folds easily; tries to peacemake + takes responsibility

3) Assertive → says what they need/want openly + honestly but knows when to back off + avoid damaging relationships *ex) states roommate needs to pick ut up but gives them space

4) passive-aggressive → doesnt explicitly say what they need/want openly or honestly but uses indirect strategies of manipulation to get it *ex) may say things to insinuate; “gosh i wish someone would wash the dishes”