Terms: Wrap it Up at L5

Function & Name

Term is the THEE-name for: «something that is used to make specific reference to an object of experience—outer, inner, imaginary or virtual—with the aim of using it in a social context.»

The receiver may view things as Terms in the same manner.

Term is the 5th Level element in the Primary Hierarchy of Communication, above Symbol, Sign, Signal and Stimulus.

«Term» can also be used to refer to the L5 process (i.e. it is also a verb, «to term», but «terming» is rarely used in English). I much prefer: to name or naming and for the thing: Name. Also possible, are: labeling & Label. Both of these alternative names may be used at times within TOP instead of «Term».

ClosedAcademics & Terms

ClosedTerms & Terminology

Properties

Terms-L5 must discriminate entities so we can refer to different things easily. The commonest form of Term-L5 is verbal i.e. words; but Naming-L5 can also occur via visual shapes. As a result, mathematical symbols or chemical formulae can also serve as Terms-L5. Touch patterns, sound harmonies or melody also can be used. However, stimuli like smells, tastes and pain do not possess the necessary discrimination for Naming-L5.

Both parties to any communication must have an appropriate exposure in regard to terms-L5 in order to know what they refer to. Terms-L5 are therefore intrinsic to socialization, literacy, education and human interaction. So uneducated and socially deprived people may have a rather limited vocabulary of Terms.  

Terms-L5 categorize and discriminate within a social group to serve the group's purposes. Social groups unhesitatingly generate and accept new terms-L5 if they meet their own needs (e.g. academics, ghetto inhabitants, users of THEE, are all preoccupied with using the right Terms-L5).

However, terms, as words, can be slippery things — they are not easily tied down to just one reference. Read more about words.

Terms may be used sloppily due to carelessness, or with a lack of discrimination due to not seeing or knowing.

In addition, errors typical of lower Level forms may all occur e.g. a Term-L5 might not be learned (like a Signal-L2); or might not be understood (like a Symbol-L4).

Terms have an ability to «capture meaning» based on discrimination amongst things or categories of things. Dictionaries and glossaries take on their most useful and complex forms in relation to verbal terms: not only explaining but seeking origins (etymology), and providing synonyms and antonyms (thesaurus). Note that similar compilations can be developed at all lower Levels except Stimuli -L1 which are infrastructural for communication.

The complexities of reference and discrimination provide the basis for semantics within any language. Terms-L5 are certainly intrinsic to language. However, from a practical (i.e. THEE) perspective, the essence of language does not lie in terms themselves, but in the uses to which terms are put during any communication.

To express ourselves, understand others, and generally make things happen, language also requires:

  • syntax indicating how words need to be ordered
  • pragmatics relating to the effects of using language

It is evident that the use of language and related matters are not handled at L5 (or at lower Levels).

In all THEE Primary Hierarchies: At L5, the form taken by the entity assumes all lower levels and both shapes and operates them in some fashion. L5 marks a discontinuity from L1-L4 by providing the basis for a new more sophisticated phenomenon, one that is perhaps essentially human.

At L5 in Communication, we suddenly come upon the mechanism necessary for language. Terms discriminate objective and subjective entities and lend themselves to manipulation.  But how, where and to what end?

Terms-L5 are the culmination of a steady but discontinuous hierarchical increase in potential for Communication. Yet nothing so far deals with thinking or even the articulation of a simple factual statement, both of which require language. Something more powerful and intrinsic to Communication is evidently required to enable language.

Originally posted: 18-Apr-2011; Last updated 25-Sep-2011.