LANGUAGE, POLITICS, AND "THE FEDERALIST": A LINGUISTIC APPROACH TO INTERPRETATION.
Item
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Title
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LANGUAGE, POLITICS, AND "THE FEDERALIST": A LINGUISTIC APPROACH TO INTERPRETATION.
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Identifier
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AAI8222981
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identifier
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8222981
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Creator
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SILVEY, ROBERT LEE.
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Contributor
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Melvin Richter
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Date
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1982
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Political Science, General
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Abstract
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In this study, we examine the linguistic uses in The Federalist Papers as a source of political meaning in the text. We seek to exhibit the structures of use embedded in the text and to show the informal relationship between these structures. Further, we examine uses to understand the rules governing how words can and cannot be used. We are looking at word-use as a source of meaning. By understanding the kinds of uses embedded in the text we can understand how the Federalists talk abuot government and society. This approach to the text depends on the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein in his Philosophical Investigations.;Thus, we study the uses of "passion," "interest," "experience," "ends and means," "reason," and "confederate and republican government." We exhibit the particular linguistic contexts for use of these terms. In some instances certain words are part of the critical contexts of use. In the Federalists' structures of use, certain terms such as "passion" and "interest" are not usually used to speak favorably of actions.;The structure of use which is most evident in The Federalist Papers is in the terms "moderation" "reason," "reflection," "calmness, " "experience," etc. These terms bespeak the common sense of the community. The Federalists in their use of these terms appeal to the linguistic practices of the community. Their work depends on the rules of use for "propriety" and "prudence.".;In contrast to this informal structure of "reason" is the Federalists' use bespeaking the extremes of behavior. In this language-game there are such terms as "momentary," "impulsive," "immediate," "fractions," "violent," "bitter," "passions," and "interests," etc. These are the extremes of behavior which, to the Federalists, are dangerous to the stability and order of the society.;Because of the language-game of extremes of behavior, the Federalists use also a vocabulary of "checks and balances" and "separation of powers." Such checks are necessary to allow the return to moderation and calm which are essential to any stable political order.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Political Science
