Words and a Complex Network of Ideas

Gorgias discussed the power language and words have, but Locke seems to expand this view by making us question what a true definition for something is. He brings up interesting points in terms of how one thinks about menial terms that one comes in contact with; however, Locke seems to urge his readers to look from different points of view. Easy enough, but words come with a complex network of ideas and beliefs from one person to the next in terms of how they define it. Locke writes, “White and sweet, yellow and bitter, carry a very obvious meaning with them, which everyone precisely comprehends, or easily perceives he is ignorant of, and seeks to be informed. But what precise collection of simple ideas modesty or frugality stand for, in another’s use, is not so certainly known” (823: 18, right hand column). While many perceive simple qualities like colour and texture easy to discuss and describe, qualities concerning one’s character or classifications represent different things to different people; therefore, one should become aware of these and make their intent known in contextualisations. How one uses words also seems relevant not only in the public sphere, but also in the private. The idea of the salons being a private brought into a public setting was intriguing to think about in terms of how one uses language to express their ideas and how they could be misconstrued.This notion of a failure to communicate or understand occurs numerous time on a daily basis, but it’s also important to look at the context in which it is being spoken. I’m reminded of the “etiquette” book dedicated to salons; while women were not to speak of things within the domestic sphere, it would seem that a complex network of meanings could be associated with them that others would not understand (ie men).