Rhetoric for Rene Descartes, Rhetoric Term Paper

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Descartes might, however, point out that it does not matter which forms or symbols are used so long as direct knowledge is acquired. Furthermore, it would be impossible to completely separate the artist from the form; or even the viewer from the form. Mathematics is a purer means of representing reality than painting or language.

Both Descartes and Langer would surrender to the inevitability of symbolic communication. Even mathematics involves the use of symbols. Langer points out that thought "begins and ends with language; without the elements, at least, of scientific grammar, conception must be impossible," (88). As they recognize familiar structures and forms as well as colors in their works of art, Langer and Descartes would also discover that all symbols -- elements of language or not -- have a certain type of structure.

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What makes language meaningful is its structure, its linearity, and its discursiveness. Language does at least attempt to be logical and thus is a relevant albeit imperfect method of acquiring knowledge. Langer might take the conversation one step farther than Descartes. For example, Langer would note the "tendency to organize the sensory field into groups and patterns of sense-data, to perceive forms rather than a flux of light-impressions," (89). Descartes and Langer would ultimately shake hands after their painting class, agreeing that input from sensory organs is the primary means by which human beings gain knowledge. At the same time, Langer underscores the importance of applying meaning to sense data whereas Descartes remains content with the simple acquisition of that sensory input.

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