Reversal of Oscillation in Communication-PH5

The oscillation here seems to be about quality of precision in the communication. Does use of the communicative element produce something that is clear and definite? Or is the element inevitably vague and ambiguous?

This polarization is captured here as:
ambiguous (ODD) v definite (EVEN).

Stimulus-L1 

Stimuli-L1 are naturally indefinite and ambiguous. In any communicative event, there are numerous stimuli: verbal and non-verbal, direct and contextual. So it is never clear which stimuli are to be included and which excluded. In addition, stimuli do not have precise intensities, and their impacts are perceived variably, depending on previous stimuli, adaptation, expectations and distractions.

However: If you generate a stimulus so as to make it unequivocal and definite, then you are taking action and will be perceived in that way.

Example

At a party you wave to someone who vaguely notices but does not seem to recognize you or perhaps does not realize you mean him, and fails to respond. So you start waving more vigorously, point to yourself and mouth your name. That makes your stimuli definite and involves bodily movement.

Conversion: Stimuli that are made definite are bodily movements-L1 and lie in the realm of Action-PH1.

Signal-L2

Signals-L2 are naturally definite and unambiguous because they are deliberately designed in advance to transmit specific message content.

However: If conditions render an actual signal ambiguous or vague, or perhaps there is mal-intent, then the agreed message vanishes. The pre-agreed «signal» would turn into non-communicative stimuli generating some sort of sensory experience.

Example

In a recent film, a person agreed to be met at a station and the agreed signal to get recognized was her opened red umbrella. However, on arrival the station was full of people with open red umbrellas. In that situation, it was impossible to distinguish a «red umbrella» signal: instead there was the sensation of multiple blobs of redness.

Conversion: Signals that are rendered ambiguous become sensations-L1 in the realm of Experience-PH4.

Sign-L3

Signs-L3 are naturally ambiguous, because significance is inherently variable and diverse. Recipients perceive, interpret, and appreciate significance on the basis of their familiarity with the situation, or via a particular personal perspectives or using a more complex frame of reference (body of knowledge). This indefinite nature allows signs to function effectively in varying contexts.

However: If you make a sign so explicit that it's significance is definite and unequivocal, you will give many ancillary details. These details reveal to another that you have some purpose in mind, but do not indicate what outcome you are desiring.

Example

A girl's smile may be a sign that suggests nervousness or perhaps friendliness to an unknown man next to her at the bus stop. But what if, in addition to the smile, the girl asks for some advice, then looks him again in the eye, and then finds two seats together in the bus? Then all these signs have become purposefulsteps aiming at some outcome.

Conversion: Signs that are made definite are tactical objectives-L1 which come from the realm of Purpose-PH6.

Symbol-L4

Symbols-L4 are naturally definite because clarity demands a conventional use of symbols. Even though symbols are potentially polyvalent, there is no room for mystery.

However: It is possible to make a symbol ambiguous and render its associations uncertain. This takes some effort. There must be willingness by both the sender who tries to indicate something new, and the recipient who tries to grasp the surprising use of the symbol.

Example

Conversion: Symbols that are made ambiguous generate trying-L1, which is in the realm of Willingness-PH7.

Term-L5

Terms-L5 (or names) are naturally ambiguous, because they activate personal associations in a variable way. In our minds, the term becomes almost identical to whatever is referred to, but that turns out to be different for different people. There are also effects of linguistic and social context that alter the meaning-reference of terms; and variation in usage also occurs over time. Terms are slippery.

However: You can make a termdefinite through providing a definition and insisting on its use throughout a communication and this seems essential if you are conducting an inquiry. In an inquiry, the terms used are what is observed. Communication is subsidiary to inquiry and is viewed as a means.

Example

The term «buffer» has many references and usages. However, chemistry ties the term down by defining it as a ionic solution that stabilizes pH (acidity/alkalinity). Experimenters can then collect data on buffers and buffering properties.

Conversion: Terms that are made definite allow for collection of data-L1 which is an element of Inquiry-PH2.

Meaning-L6

Meanings-L6 are naturally definite, because they are developed so as to accord closely with the sender's intention. The recipient also seeks to extract definite meaning, even if it is judged to be disguised, deceptive or dishonest. Of course, the definite extracted meaning need not be identical to the definite intended meaning. It is possible to be definite about communicating an ambiguous meaning e.g. double entendres have this effect.

However: If the meaning is intrinsically ambiguous, then no one will know what to make of it. The result is to be jolted out of everyday expectations and that forces some change in the communicative relationship.

Example

A married couple comes to a therapist for help with their constant arguments. The therapist instructs them to argue forcefully 3 times a day for at least 45 minutes each time and for a full hour before bedtime. This instruction makes the meaning of argument ambiguous: is it the problem? or is it the solution? The couple get disoriented, and their usual dysfunctional behaviour varies in some fashion. The goal of such a paradoxical injunction is therapeutic change.

Conversion: Meaning that is ambiguous leads to variation-L1 as found in the realm of Change-PH3.

Openness-L7

Openness-L7 is naturally indefinite and ambiguous, because it plays with possibilities, gradations of significance, inner experiences and paradoxes. Openness resists being tied down. It's effects are unknown.

However: By making your opennessdefinite, the communicative relationship alters. You state serves as a stimulus to the other. The effect may be to scare them away, or to produce a complementary openness relevant to the context.

Example:

Psychotherapists attune to clients with a free-floating attention and offer them a form of definite openness in the sessions. The result is that the patient is stimulated to work on themselves and provide relevant thoughts, feelings and associations.

Conversion: Openness that is definite remains within the realm of Communication-PH5 by becoming a stimulus-L1.

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Summary of the Results of Forcing a Reversal

L	Name	Oscillation	Conversion on Forcible Reversal
			New Element	Primary Hierarchy
7	Openness	Ambiguous	→ stimulus-L1	in PH5-Communication
6	Meaning	Definite	→ variation-L1	in PH3-Change
5	Term	Ambiguous	→ observation-L1	in PH2-Inquiry
4	Symbol	Definite	→ trying-L1	in PH7-Willingness
3	Sign	Ambiguous	→ tactical objective-L1	in PH6-Purpose
2	Signal	Definite	→ sensation-L1	in PH4-Experience
1	Stimulus	Ambiguous	→ movement-L1	in PH1-Action

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• Now consider Purpose-PH6 in the same way.

Originally posted: 2-May-2013