Re: Objects and Symbols
David L. Altheide (David.Altheide@Asu.Edu)
Tue, 30 Jan 1996 09:57:13 -0700 (MST)
There have been many good comments. I especially appreciate the suggestions
by Stan Lyman and Donna. The nature of "objects" is always a bit confusing
for students. In part it is a problem of language (another symbolic problem!)
Whether anyone has ever seen the "real object" of, say, "god," does not
matter. That we can treat a notion of god as "god"is what is meant by
treating something as an object. God or devils or unicorns can be treated
as objects whether or not they have some kind of physical (or other) existence.
It is the power of the symbol that gives whatever we want its status, existence
and most importantly, 'relevance,' as something meaningful, plausible, etc.,
within our "universe" or "social world." This is what is meant by the
"social construction of reality,"--a process by which we draw on meanings
and symbols to make more meaning.
Regards,
David A.