Terministic Screens - week4

Terministic Screens -37min

  • Introduction

    • Focus on deterministic screens; importance of the subject.

    • Clarification that definitions and steps found online may not relate directly to class material.

    • Encouragement to pay close attention, as this is a crucial topic.

  • Humor and Engagement

    • Light-hearted anecdote about calling on a student who is zoning out.

    • Example mentioned: responding with "Terminix" if not paying attention.

  • Kenneth Burke

    • Introduction of Kenneth Burke as the key scholar regarding deterministic screens.

    • Acknowledged as a significant figure across multiple disciplines.

    • Students in humanities and liberal arts will encounter his work.

    • Burke's theories remain relevant over time despite criticisms faced by other scholars.

  • Intellectual Foundations

    • Explanation of the need to understand the foundational concepts behind Burke's ideas.

    • Burke's background in English, literature, semiotics, and linguistics influenced his work.

  • Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

    • Introduction of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis as a vital foundational theory.

    • Roots of the theory: emerged in the late 1920s from scholars Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf.

    • Core Idea: Language constructs reality rather than merely reacting to it.

      • Initial broad claim: Language shapes our perception of reality significantly.

    • Subsequent reduction of theory due to criticisms; acknowledgment that while language may not construct reality, it influences perceptions of it.

    • Importance of Linguistic Influence:

    • Language influences how we perceive and understand the world.

    • Example given: The difference in perception based on words such as "innovative" (positive connotation) vs. "radical" (potentially negative connotation).

  • George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four

    • Mention of Orwell's book as an illustration of the theory's implications.

    • Description of a totalitarian regime that manipulates language through a concept known as „Newspeak” to limit thought and expression.

    • The suppression of language and vocabulary leads to a lack of conceptual understanding for negative phenomena (e.g., oppression).

  • Deterministic Screens Defined

    • Definition provided:

    • Deterministic screens are essentially an individual's worldview shaped by language and experiences.

    • Terministic part refers to terminology and its role in filtering and interpreting experiences.

    • Importance of understanding these screens as they can bias perceptions.

  • Examples of Deterministic Screens in Action

    • Dog example illustrating differing perceptions based on personal experiences with dogs.

    • Majority positive association with the word “dog,” in contrast to individuals with bad past experiences.

    • Interpretation of 'dog' reflects personal biases shaped by history and individual experiences.

  • Influence of Experiences on Deterministic Screens

    • Explanation that experiences shape worldview; example of trust changes after a betrayal.

  • Function of Deterministic Screens

    • Function like a screen door: they allow certain information through while blocking others.

    • Mention of people forming judgments about new acquaintances based on initial impressions.

    • Examples of confirmation bias and intellectual cherry-picking discussed.

  • Role of Demographics

    • Discussion of the 'universal audience' concept introduced in a previous lecture.

    • Demographics such as education, socioeconomic status, race, culture, gender, and political ideologies impact how information is processed.

    • Mention of how terms associated with political affiliations (e.g., Biden vs. Trump) evoke immediate reactions based on preconceived notions.

  • Cultural and Familial Influence

    • Illustrative example of speaker's upbringing affecting political awareness.

    • Variability in political engagement due to family upbringing providing diverse deterministic screens.

  • Finding Balance

    • Emphasis on the unique interpretation of reality based on upbringing and experiences rather than a universal viewpoint.

    • The significance of acknowledging separate deterministic screens in ensuring effective communication.

  • Argumentation and Deterministic Screens

    • The relationship between deterministic screens and the success of arguments.

    • Example: Arguments fail to change minds when they clash with someone's predetermined views.

  • Engagement Strategies

    • Importance of crafting arguments that can bypass closed deterministic screens to be persuasive.

    • Mention of how discussions on divisive topics often lead to closed-mindedness, resulting in unsuccessful communication.

  • Golden Mean Concept

    • Explanation of philosophical concept of moderation (Golden Mean)—aiming for a balance between extremes.

    • Examples of cowardice (too closed) vs. foolhardy bravery (too open); striking a balance in perspectives is essential.

  • Advice on Setting Personal Screens

    • Proposition: Adopt a trust but verify approach in establishing and engaging with personal deterministic screens.

    • The suggestion of being receptive yet critical towards new information; double-checking facts against biases and echo chambers.

  • Conclusion

    • Importance of understanding both personal and others’ deterministic screens during discourse.

    • Acknowledgment that no one is completely free from deterministic screens.

    • Continuous learning and self-awareness regarding biases will enhance discussions and argument effectiveness.

    • Invitation to consider the impacts of deterministic screens on argumentative success and personal insight.