Thymie et enthyméme

Abstract

En mettant en relation la thymie et l'enthymème, on se propose de replacer la question de la sensibilisation émotionnelle au coeur de la rhétorique générale. Elle y est tantôt assumée comme principe opératoire (Aristote), tantôt exaltée comme finalité (Pseudo-Longin), tantôt soupçonnée comme menace sur la conduite raisonnée des arguments (Perelman). L'instabilité du statut de l'émotion dans l'histoire de la rhétorique est rapprochée de sa phénoménalité même, à travers les propositions de G. Simondon sur la composante a¤ectivo-émotive dans l'individuation. L'appropriation sémiotique du concept de thymie invite plus spécifiquement, sous cet éclairage, à réarticuler le raisonnement propre à la rhétorique comme « enthymie ». On dégage ensuite les éléments thymiques au sein de l'enthymème (phénomènes de suspension, de bifurcation, de provocation), avant de présenter une saisie de l'émotion, à partir de la théorie des instances de discours, comme une condensation des instances.

Covid-19: Narrative Engine and Characters Embedding

“…The first step of the analysis is to identify the definition of the theme, starting from a semantic fundamental dichotomy: figurative level/ thematic level. Figurativeness "gives rise to gradual manifestations, depending on the use that the discourse makes" (Bertrand 2007). However, for this level to be understood by the user, the thematic level is necessary: the theme, in fact, gives meaning and value to the figures (Bertrand 2007).…”

Modal articulation: The psychological and semiotic functions of modalities in the sensemaking process

“…A modal connector namely accompanies and functions as a bridge between the general and the specific (De Luca Picione, 2015a). Within such a function, according to a linguistic point of view, modal verbs connect a general affective matrix with specified objects, by defining the quality and the modus of relation between them (Bertrand, 2007; Coquet, 2005; Greimas, 1983; von Weizsäcker, 1956). We are not talking about an objectively definable plane of reality but about the subjective perception of the context and its constraints, possibilities, and obligations.…”

“…In fact, from a linguistic point of view, a verb is defined as “modal” when it changes the sense of the following verb by preceding it in the syntagmatic chain of the sentence. Modalities represent a constant support on which the action is based (Bertrand, 2007; Brockmeier, 2009; Caston, 2011; Greimas, 1983; Valsiner, 2014). For example, when a person says “ I work / I worked / I am going to work ,” this is a description of a statement of fact that is achieved through a linear construction of the sentence and by the semantic referential contents.…”

“…We call modal a predicate that modifies another predicate. A modal predicate opposes a descriptive predicate (Bertrand, 2007). Modal articulation fluctuates and varies over time, but above all is linked to temporal human experience.…”

“…Modal articulation shows itself as a modal composition. The use of a specific modal category in the sensemaking process implies the involvement of other modal categories since the use of one mobilizes the semantic memory of the others (Bertrand, 2007). For example, the notion of possibility presupposes the concept of necessity, which in turn implies the idea of obligation or duty, which evokes the will and the power.…”