90 likes | 204 Views
Language – Part II. ToK. Which is true?. “If you can’t say it then you don’t know it” – Hans Reichenbach (1891-1953) OR “I know more than I can say” – Michael Polanyi (1891-1976). Which is true?. “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.” OR
E N D
Which is true? • “If you can’t say it then you don’t know it” – Hans Reichenbach (1891-1953) OR • “I know more than I can say” – Michael Polanyi (1891-1976)
Which is true? • “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.” OR • “Language is power.”
Labels & Stereotypes • To what extent does language affect the way we see and think about the world?
Labels • Language is a labeling system; as such it is extremely efficient • On the other hand, things can easily be mislabeled based on superficial resemblance • Also, there are many different ways of labeling things, depending on the context • The way we classify things is either natural and objective or socially constructed and subjective – or perhaps a bit of both
Stereotypes • Assumptions • Caricature • Exaggerated • Negative • Based on prejudice, rather than on fact • Difficult to change despite contradictory evidence
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis • What is it? • What is the evidence for it? • What is the evidence against it? • What do YOU think?
Using language to influence and persuade • The Story of Bottled Water - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se12y9hSOM0 • Euphemisms – read p. 16-7 of this .pdf - http://www.ibo.org/ibworld/documents/may02.pdf • Weasel words • Use of the passive voice • Revealing/concealing – connotations • “Warspeak”/propaganda
Reference • Van de Lagemaat, R. (2011). Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.