2.4: Why words matter

In a nutshell

The following presents what you essentially need to know about this topic.

Critical
Thinking

2.4
Why words
matter

Words are the basic building blocks of arguments.

Critical
Thinking

2.4
Why words
matter

The selection and arrangement of words in arguments influences interpretation and the production of meaning.

Critical
Thinking

2.4
Why words
matter

Processes of critical thinking are usually represented in natural languages like English or Chinese.

Critical
Thinking

2.4
Why words
matter

Effective critical thinking always requires close attention to how natural language is structured, and the purposes for which it is used.

Critical
Thinking

2.4
Why words
matter

Arguments in natural language have both formal (‘relational) and ‘rhetorical’ (persuasive) aspects.

Critical
Thinking

2.4
Why words
matter

Different views on the nature of language variously contest whether:

Critical
Thinking

2.4
Why words
matter

Critical
Thinking

2.4
Why words
matter

Critical
Thinking

2.4
Why words
matter

Critical
Thinking

2.4
Why words
matter

Have a go at Activity One, Two and Three.

For more information about this topic,
refer to The complete version below.

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Words are the basic building blocks of arguments.
The selection and arrangement of words in arguments influences interpretation and the production of meaning.
Processes of critical thinking are usually represented in natural languages like English or Chinese.
Effective critical thinking always requires close attention to how natural language is structured, and the purposes for which it is used.
Arguments in natural language have both formal (‘relational) and ‘rhetorical’ (persuasive) aspects.
Different views on the nature of language variously contest whether natural language either represents or constructs reality; whether linguistic structures are universal or specific to cultural context; and whether meanings are fixed or unstable and ambiguous.
Denotation is the primary meaning of a word; connotations are the associated meanings of a word.
A paradigm is a group of similar words belonging to the same category of things;
a syntagm is a particular combination of individual words chosen from various categories.
Both paradigms and syntagms constitute the basis of sentence structure, and help determine the meanings which we make when using natural language.
If you want more information about this topic, refer to ‘The complete’ version below.

Follow the link to view the full version of ‘Why Words Matter’.