The Judgment Mechanism of Line Structures
3.2 The Judgment Mechanism of Line Structures
Once the point structure splits into two poles, human cognition enters the line structure.
The core function of the line structure is to make judgments and locate meaning between two extremes.
Basic Principles of the Line Structure
Principle of Opposition
A line structure always relies on two opposing poles, such as “good/bad” or “safe/dangerous.”
All perceptions are evaluated along this line.Mechanism of Comparison
Judgment is never isolated; it depends on contrast between the two poles.
We do not simply say “this is cold” — we perceive “cold” through its opposition to “hot.”Directional Choice
When positioned between two poles, the individual chooses which side to lean toward, depending on their subjective intention.
For example: the same criticism can mean opportunity to someone who “wants to grow,” and threat to someone who “wants to avoid.”
How the Line Structure Operates
- Establishing a Coordinate: An intention activates a line (e.g., “edible/inedible”).
- Placing the Stimulus: External input is positioned somewhere along this line.
- Forming a Judgment: The individual decides their course of action based on that position.
Examples
- Survival level: Wild fruit is judged as either “edible” or “inedible.”
- Social level: A colleague’s behavior is interpreted along the line of “supportive/hostile.”
- Emotional level: A single phrase can be heard as either “caring” or “offensive.”
Significance for Structural Language
The line structure takes us from the undifferentiated whole into a dimension of judgment.
It provides the first cognitive axis, allowing individuals to act quickly and impose an initial order on the world.
In one sentence:
A line structure is a binary judgment coordinate system, where subjective intention determines direction.