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A. on the argument
"Argumentum derives from the theme argu, found in argentum and signifying "splendor, clarity." To argue signified originally, "to make shine, to clarify, to open a passage for light." In this sense, the argument is the illuminating event of language, its taking place."
-Giorgio Agamben, Language and Death
By Squibb | November 1, 2006 in Agamben | Permalink
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I don't want to be picky, but I'm pretty sure that the "passage for light" part is kind of inserted for Heideggerian effect. "Argu" does mean "shine" and "bright," but that doesn't imply a passage for light, and the more relavent "arguere" meant to make something as "white as silver." I know light is involved given the visual representation of white/silver, but if we're really going to presume that modern physics is in play, then technically polishing something white and shiny would reflect light back, not open up a passage for it.
Umm, yeah, there's not much at stake here.
Posted by: Kenneth Rufo | Nov 1, 2006 10:58:49 PM
Can it not be said that one has opened up a passage for reflected light?
(I always think of the moon, here. Whoever polished that did well.)
Posted by: Matt | Nov 3, 2006 12:42:52 AM
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