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[A] number of isolated facts does not produce a science any more than a heap of bricks produces a house. The isolated facts must be put in order and brought into mutual structural relations in the form of some theory. Then, only, do we have a science, something to start from, to analyze, ponder on, criticize, and improve.
- Alfred Korzybski
Science & Sanity: An Introduction to Non-Aristotelian Systems and General Semantics1
The term, 'semantic reaction ' will be used as covering both semantic reflexes and states. In the present work, we are interested in [semantic reactions], from a psychophysiological, theoretical and experimental point of view, which include the corresponding states.
-Alfred Korzybski
Science & Sanity: An Introduction to Non-Aristotelian Systems and General Semantics1
FOR A NUMBER OF DECADES and perhaps for all of its life, general semantics has suffered from an identity crisis. People have long had difficulty defining the term general semantics for others. Of those people who have settled on definitions, many of their definitions are too vague, too general, or just plain awkward. The bulk of these definitions is of the awkward sort, more like descriptions than definitions3, leading to a hazy image of general semantics and a difficulty in categorizing it in the grand scheme of fields. Because of awkward definitions, people learning of general semantics for the first time can't relate to it, so they don't become interested in it.
Long overdue is a simple definition of the term general semantics that people can relate to instantly upon hearing. Providing such a definition will not only provide clarity to me meaning of the term, but it will also provide a clear focus for nearly everyone involved in me endeavor of general semantics. A simple definition of me term general semantics will also imply an organization and framework for many of its associated ideas.
Definitions of General Semantics and of Other Endeavors
Definitions for me term general semantics have been historically awkward. It is not uncommon to read definitions mat employ strings of hyphenated words and puzzling terminology. These definitions may map the territory of general semantics well though from a marketing perspective, they create perceptions of general semantics as something alien and impenetrable. Taken collectively, mese troublesome definitions paint...