Human life is not conceived without the constant exchange of information with people around. That is why in history there is a piggy bank of famous quotes and sayings. The human word is unusually strong - the great speakers, rhetoricians, military leaders, statesmen knew how to inspire whole nations with speech. Next, we’ll talk about what a statement is, let’s analyze what it is, find out what goals it serves, learn how to build sayings that are pleasant to everyone and everyone, and also recall some famous sayings.
Scientific definition
From the point of view of science, utterance is the main (indefinable) term from the field of mathematical logic. In a more common sense, a statement is any narrative sentence that claims something about something. Moreover, from the point of view of specific circumstances and time frames, it can be stated with accuracy whether it is true or false in the existing conditions. Each such logical statement can be attributed, thus, to one of 2 groups:
- True.
- Lying.
True statements, for example, include the following:
- If the girl graduated from high school, she receives a certificate of secondary education.
- London - Capital of the UK.
- Crucian carp is a fish.
False statements, for example, are:
- A dog is not an animal.
- St. Petersburg is built on the Moscow River.
- The number 15 is divided by 3 and 6.
What does not apply to utterances?
It is necessary to make a reservation to the fact that in the field of exact sciences not all sentences belong to the category of utterances. It becomes obvious that a phrase that carries neither truth nor falsity falls out of the group of utterances, for example:
- Long live world peace!
- Welcome to the new school!
- You need to bring boots and an umbrella for a walk.
Classification of utterances
So, if what such a statement is clarified, then the classification of this category is still not defined. Meanwhile, it does exist. Statements are divided into 2 two groups:
- A simple, or elementary, statement is a sentence, which is a single statement.
- A compound or compound statement, that is, one that is formed from elementary, through the use of grammatical connectives “or”, “and”, “neither”, “not”, “if ... then ...”, “then and only then” and etc. An example is the true sentence: “ If a child has motivation, then he is well engaged in school ”, which is formed from 2 elementary sayings: “ The child has motivation ” and “ He is well engaged in school ” using a connecting element "If ... then ...". Similarly, all similar structures are built.
So, with the fact that such a statement is specifically applied to the field of exact sciences, now everything is clear. For example, in algebra, any utterance is considered only in the aspect of its logical meaning, without taking into account any everyday content. Here the statement can be either exclusively true or exclusively false - no third is given. In this, a logical statement is qualitatively different from a philosophical statement, which will be discussed later.
In school mathematics (and sometimes even computer science) elementary statements are indicated by lowercase Latin letters : a, b, c, ... x, y, z. The true value of judgment is traditionally marked with the number “1”, and the false value with the number “0”.
Important concepts for establishing the truth or falsity of a statement
The main terms that one way or another are in contact with the field of logical statements include:
- “judgment” is a statement that is potentially true or false;
- “affirmation” - a judgment that requires proof or rebuttal;
- "reasoning" - a set of logical and interrelated judgments, facts, conclusions and provisions that can be obtained through other judgments according to certain rules for making conclusions;
- "induction" - a way of reasoning from the particular (smaller) to the general (more global);
- “deduction” - on the contrary, a way of reasoning from general to particular (the deductive method was mainly used by the famous hero of Arthur Conan Doyle’s short stories Sherlock Holmes, who, coupled with a knowledge base, observation and attentiveness, allowed him to find the truth, clothe it in the form of logical statements, to build the correct chain of conclusions and as a result establish the identity of the offender).
What is a statement in psychology: "You" -expression
The science of human consciousness also assigns a huge role to the categories of utterances. It is with the help of it that an individual can make a positive impression on others and create a non-conflictogenic microclimate in relations. Therefore, today psychologists are trying to popularize the topic of the presence of two types of utterances: these are “I” utterances and “You” utterances. About the latter type, anyone who wants to improve in communication is better to forget forever!
Typical examples of “You” sayings are:
- “You're always wrong!”
- - Again you climb with your recommendations!
- “Can you not be so awkward?”
They immediately feel open dissatisfaction with the interlocutor, the accusation, the creation of an uncomfortable situation for a person in which he is forced to defend himself. In this case, he cannot hear, understand and accept the point of view of the “accuser” because he was initially placed in the position of the enemy and the enemy.
"I" sayings
If the purpose of the statement is an expression of one’s opinion, feelings, emotions, then one should never forget about finding an approach to the interlocutor. Throwing a short accusation against “you” is much easier, but in this case you can’t count on a positive reaction from the interlocutor, because the cocoon of reciprocal emotional protection will not let you reach it. Therefore, it will still be more effective to try the technique of “I” utterances, which rests on certain principles.
The first step is not to blame the interlocutor, but to express your own emotional reaction about what happened. Although the other person does not know what will be discussed further, intuitively, he will be predisposed to the problems of a comrade and will be ready to show participation and care.
For example, you could say:
- I'm sad.
- I am indignant.
- I'm lost.
- I'm ready to burst into tears.
Next, you need to explain what caused these emotions. Again we act only through the “I” form:
- I was late for work, and the boss reprimanded me.
- I was waiting for you and could not call, because the network did not catch well.
- I sat in the rain for an hour and the whole got wet.
Finally, an explanation of why this or that action caused a certain reaction should be given:
- For me, this event was extremely important.
- I'm too tired and can’t cope with my duties.
- I put a lot of effort into this business and as a result received nothing!
At the penultimate or final (depending on the situation) stage, you need to express a wish or request. A person whom the interlocutor will turn to after such a detailed description of feelings should receive certain recommendations and advice for further behavior. Whether he takes them into account or not is his personal choice, which will demonstrate a real attitude:
- I would like you to leave home earlier.
- I propose to agree: we will be engaged in household duties in a day.
An optional, but in some cases a necessary item is a warning of your intentions, namely:
- I'm afraid I can no longer lend you a car for the weekend.
- I will remind you of your homework if you forget.
Mistakes in following the concept of “I” utterances
To build a successful dialogue and prevent scandals, one should exclude from the personal communication practice such errors:
- The indictment. It is not enough to use only one point of technology, and then set about exposing and commenting on the interlocutor and his actions in the form: “You are late!”, “You broke!”, “You scattered things!”. In this case, the plan completely loses its meaning.
- Generalizations. Labels and stamps should be disposed of as soon as possible. We are talking about unflattering stereotypical statements about women driving, blondes, single men, etc.
- Insults.
- Expression of one’s own emotions in a rude manner (“I am ready to kill you!”, “I’m just furious!”).
Thus, “I” sayings imply rejection of humiliation and reproaches in order not to turn communication into a dangerous invisible weapon.
The famous sayings of philosophers
The completion of the article will be associated with statements that, in contrast to logical judgments and universal psychological techniques, are perceived by each person purely individually:
- What should not be done, do not even do so in thought (Epictetus).
- To give out someone else's secret is betrayal, to give out your own is stupidity (Voltaire).
- If 50 million people say nonsense, it’s still nonsense (Anatole France).
Philosophical statements help people better understand themselves and others, support them in a variety of areas of life.