LessonsMental Implication and Degrees of Clarity in IndicationQuiz

Different expressions may lead toward the same intended quality, generosity. The table identifies how many interpretive moves a listener is likely to make and what kind of knowledge those moves require.

ExpressionRoute to meaningSource of relative clarity
Zayd is generousThe quality is statedDirect assertion
Zayd frequently hosts guestsHospitality → generosityClose familiar relation
There are many ashes at Zayd's homeAshes → fire → cooking → guests → generositySeveral steps and historical custom

This compares clarity of indication, not necessarily literary merit. An indirect expression may be more evocative or effective even when its inferential route is longer.

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Comparing degrees of indirectness

Mental Implication and Degrees of Clarity in Indication

Different expressions may lead toward the same intended quality, generosity. The table identifies how many interpretive moves a listener is likely to make and what kind of knowledge those moves require.

ExpressionRoute to meaningSource of relative clarity
Zayd is generousThe quality is statedDirect assertion
Zayd frequently hosts guestsHospitality → generosityClose familiar relation
There are many ashes at Zayd's homeAshes → fire → cooking → guests → generositySeveral steps and historical custom

This compares clarity of indication, not necessarily literary merit. An indirect expression may be more evocative or effective even when its inferential route is longer.