Fixed v Flexible Uses of Language
All THEE hierarchies have odd-numbered and even-numbered levels with opposite qualities. Amongst other things, this oscillating duality ensures that levels are indeed discrete and there is no hidden continuum.
Oscillation in the Primary Hierarchy (PH5) was identified as:
- Indefinite & ambiguous in the odd-numbered levels
& - Definitive & unambiguous in the even-numbered levels
As Types get their quality from a corresponding PH level, it may be surprising to see what seems like a reversal of this pattern in the :
- Odd-numbered uses are fixed and seem more demanding.
- Even-numbered uses are flexible and seem more adaptable.
Fixed Methods
I call methods fixed if, once a communication is formulated, it is not possible or not sensible to alter the communication in regard to its key aspects. A fixed communication may be changed if errors are found or if refinement is required.
These methods impose demands on both the creator or initiator of the communication and the receiver or user.
language is demanding and rigid. Either the instruction or specification is precise and comprehensible or it is not. Once a correct account is provided, there is no sense in making changes unless recipients report confusion.
language is demanding and scrupulous. Definitions must be reasonable, usable and acceptable to all in the relevant group. Once in place, these concepts become established and, over time, are increasingly unlikely to ever change.
language is demanding and illuminating. Serious artistic creations, for example, require effort during production that may take weeks, months or years. Once produced, the communication is rarely revised unless the response indicates something is not correct. The recipient or consumer must be prepared to work at the evoked experience, sometimes returning to re-experience, and often long after it occurs. Occasionally the author engages in refinement.
language is demanding and powerful. The mythic creation may occur through a dream or revelation. Both parties are usually stunned or fascinated and often initially puzzled. Once communicated, as is most evident in the case of religious scriptures, no changes are permitted.
Flexible Methods
I call methods flexible if the same communication can be made in numerous different ways.
These methods seem adaptable by the initiator of the communication, which means they may be easily misunderstood or misinterpreted by the recipient.
language is adaptable and sloppy. The same notion can be expressed in numerous ways and words, phrases or gestures may become common and then disappear from use.
language is adaptable and easily appreciated due to socialization. The same underlying message is often repeated in many different ways as part of the effort to influence.
language is adaptable and simple because it depends on fundamentals that become obvious to anyone who wishes to see. Once the logic or correspondence is appreciated, phenomena can be communicated in many different ways to the same effect e.g. in THEE, as well as the preferred formal name, a variety of alternative names are commonly offered. Users can even invent their own names—as long as the reference is not lost.
- Continue with the Unfolding Duality.
Originally posted: 5-Jan-2013. Last amended: 10-Feb-2023.