Necessity of the Terministic Screens

Burke’s Terministic Screens explains the importance of using different terminologies in language. He explains,  “‘Reality’ could not exist for us, were it not for our profound and inveterate involvement in symbol systems”(Burke 48). Though some find symbolism as a figure of speech that causes certain texts to flow better, it is actually a technique that is necessary in communication. This reminded me of the discussion of metaphor and how this is another figure of speech that has come to be known as a tool to make discourse sound more eloquent, but in reality is necessary in critical thinking. In my opinion, the same applies to symbolism. Much of the symbolism discussed by Burke in the text can be used to make a text sound more eloquent, but can also be a critical tool in communication. 

One critical point that I found from Burke is the idea of “directing the intention.” Burke states, “Dueling was forbidden by the church. Yet it was still a prevalent practice. Pascal satirically demonstrated how, by ‘directing the intention’ one could both take part in the duel and not violate the Church injunctions against it. Thus, instead of intentionally going to take part in the duel, the duelists would merely go for a walk to the place where the duel was to be held” (45). This example is a humorous and satirical example of using a terministic screen such as “directing the intention.” However, despite the fact that this example is satirical, this is actually a technique that could be used quite strategically to prove a claim or make one’s argument valid. A reoccurring theme I have seen in theorists is the need to embrace such techniques and figures of speech as a necessity of communication rather than an option. We must use these tools to communicate effectively and without them we are not communicating to our fullest potential. 

Burke explains the purpose of “terministic screens” to “...direct attention. Here the kind of deflection I have in mind concerns simply the fact that any nomenclatures necessarily directs the attention into some channels rather than others” (Burke 45). These terministic screens are necessary to focus our attention on one specific point or subject or vice versa to deflect our attention from another subject onto another. Either way, terministic screens are vital in communication and discourse and therefore necessary for any rhetor and writer to master.