The Meanings of Literal by Lakoff George - Case Study Example

Using the name mother as an example, the author explains how understanding an ideal situation differs from understanding when each concern is raised. The same applies to the meaning of literal in which an oversimplified meaning as well as one that considers conditions exist. For the oversimplified meaning, literal implies direct, factual, or reasoned meaning while non-literal implies that which is metaphorical, exaggerated, or inferred. Understanding literally from the non-oversimplified approach however identifies four different meanings whose application confuses. The meanings can be conventional, based on the subject matter, based on metaphor implications, or based on truthfulness. An assumption, however, exists that the four meanings converge but this is the source of the problem. Only one of the meanings, for example, the third meaning, associated with metaphor and use of literal in this relation should either be specified or avoided. The problem of using the word is common, even among professionals, but distinguishing the conditional definitions can help (Lakoff 291- 296).

Significance of the article in light of Genesis 1
The article is significant to the understanding of the creation story, based on Genesis 1. According to the article, the story can be understood from the oversimplified perspective of absolute truth or from conditional perspectives that could depend on a person’s condition such as religious affiliation or scientific knowledge. Alignment of the oversimplified understanding of meaning with one of the available conditional meanings also relates to the Genesis story which is consistent with some religions such as Christianity. This means that according to Lakoff’s perspective unless a person subscribes to such faiths that hold Genesis’ creation belief, the belief should be either qualified or disregarded. The article also offers a base for resolving conflicts between people who hold different meanings on a subject matter because it creates awareness of sources of differences. This facilitates the development of knowledge on creation, among people of different religious orientations. It could also promote tolerance to the Genesis theory even by those who believe in scientific theories of creation.

Relevance of the article concerning the video, ‘Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial
The article’s explanation of diversity and its role in understanding meaning is further relevant to the Judgment Day video through its established need for an understanding of conditions around a subject. The court, according to the article’s provisions, needs to understand different meanings that the board in Dover and other different stakeholders to the case hold over the Intelligence design. This is because reliance on the meaning, values, and goals of a single interest group may lead to a biased and possibly wrong judgment.
Conclusion

The article identifies the need for sensitivity in understanding meanings, based on factors around the subject matter. It is significant to the contents of Genesis 1 whose provisions may contradict other theories of creation and is relevant to the Judgment Day case that requires a decision on a subject matter on which conditions such as religious values exist. Read More