Classifying a Message

When it comes to original thought and trying to make sense of the world, there is much for which we can be grateful when it comes to Aristotle. One of his contributions is what is labeled "On Interpretation and Categories," an attempt to identify ways in which everything that exists can and should be scientifically classified. As reported most recently by Arthur Herman in his latest book, "The Cave and the Light," the ten categories are: substance, quantity, quality, relation, place, time, position, state, action, and affection. Collectively, these categories provide an attempt to provide a sense of order to our world.


Much of what comprises the many elements of a single act of communication can be found in what Aristotle has put forth. Substance, for instance, represents one's actual message, the literal words used in a verbal or written act of communication. Quantity and quality speak to the actual number of times and/or ways one attempts to communicate a message as well as the merits of the communique itself. When it comes to relation, how well - if at all - does the message connect or relate to what has been communicated before it? Thee is then the matter of place and time: where and when a particular message has been inserted into an exchange.


Looking at a communique's position is in keeping with its placement and how it is timed. As a example, is the message given prominence or treated more as an after-thought? State and action can be seen as the strength of a message and the role it plays it helping determine its impact. Finally, affection speaks more to the level of regard a communicator places on what he or she has attempted to impart. These categories represent one more way to dissect and better understand an act of communication. Perhaps whenever we find ourselves trying to figure out what is being shared with us, using these categories can be of help.