Posted by so on May 23, 2005, at 21:34:52
In reply to Now is a time » so, posted by Dinah on May 23, 2005, at 20:50:54
> To employ Alexandra's test of logic.
>
> I think I like you when you're silly implies only that I think I do not dislike you when you are silly.
>
Well, no, you could potentially both like me and dislike me while I am being silly."I like you when you're silly", formally, only conveys meaning only about what you like, and exposes nothing about what you dislike when I'm silly or at any other time. So I asked about other times. That doesn't necessarily imply I think you don't like me at other times, it only means I provided an opportunity for you to further reveal you likes or dislikes.
But logic is not the only tool available for examining rhetoric. Metaphor or allegory are not logical but they are useful rhetorical devices. Likewise, a demand to perform a certain behavior, if consistently said only in one context, can expose some implications.
What about a "whites only" sign? it doesnt' say anything is wrong with anyone else, not by logical analysis. And golly gee, black folks used to have their very own drinking fountains, restroom, restaraunts, parts of town and more. What could possibly be wrong with that? Most of us know what was wrong.
poster:so
thread:491889
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20050517/msgs/502006.html