Modus is a modified Latin word. Such Latinisms are found in all European languages, since most of the instruments of civilization - from jurisprudence to culture and philosophy - came to us from the Roman Empire. Centuries of the use of the word have led to the fact that we meet it in completely different areas of human activity - from linguistics to criminology. Let's look at what the Romans meant by this word and how certain specialists understand the meaning of "modus".
Origin of the word
Initially, the word modus meant a measure, a pattern, a method of execution, an algorithm of action. On the one hand, such an interpretation indicated a certain course of action. On the other hand, it said that this order is carried out only under a combination of certain external conditions. This somewhat ambiguous meaning of the word "mode" seemed very convenient for describing some ambiguous phenomena or actions.
Modus in philosophy
In philosophy, a modus is a changeable, impermanent property of matter, which manifested itself only under certain conditions. The philosophical interpretation of this word also implies a way of existence, the nature of a phenomenon or event. For example, modus vivendiinterpreted as a way of being or a way of life; modus procedendi - a list of actions required to achieve the goal.
The concept of modus is found in medieval scholasticism, in the writings of Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz. And each of them interpreted this concept in his own way. The scholastics used the Latin modus to designate the way of life of each estate, since it was reasonable and convenient for God. In the logic of Descartes, modes, along with attributes and qualities, were the characteristics of a substance. Spinoza characterized the modus as a general state of substance, without characterizing it in more detail. In Hegel's world, the answer to the question of what modus means lies in the realm of the characteristics of the "absolute". Careful consideration of the category "absolute" leads to the attribute, and from it - to the mode. Here, through the negation of its original properties, the absolute achieves complete identity with its essence.
In most modern philosophies, modus is the opposite of attribute. If a mode is a temporal characteristic of a phenomenon or action, an attribute is a list of constant parameters.
Modus in logic
In logic, modus is an integral part of the syllogism, responsible for the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the syllogism. In logic, there is another designation of the syllogism, which can include varieties of any scheme of discussion. These elements play an important role in the analysis of a simple and categorical syllogism, being an integral part of its figures. Since any syllogism consists of premises andconclusion, each stated judgment can be depicted as one of four graphic figures. The set of propositions that make up a syllogism is called a mode. What does it do in practice?
With the help of modes and syllogisms, the veracity of one or another conclusion is verified. The use of such logical symbols helps lawyers and jurists in substantiating or challenging legal norms and proving their position in litigation.
Modes in linguistics
The first idea of modes in linguistics was obtained by Charles Bally. This Swiss linguist proposed to combine the objective and subjective principles in a sentence. To denote new concepts, he proposed terms:
- dictum - the objective content of thought;
- modus is a subjective idea in a sentence.
Dictum is the more studied part, since the objective meaning of the sentence is better expressed by linguistic means. As for the mode, it manifests itself implicitly, that is, with the help of the impression of the word, and not with the help of the word. There are modal meanings in every sentence, and it is because of them that translators experience difficulties.
For example, with the word "storm" a Russian-speaking reader has associations with a storm, windbreak, strong wind. But the English-speaking reader, in addition to everything else, will definitely remember Shakespeare's The Tempest.
Modes in jurisprudence
Besides the aforementioned check for the logical coherence of various legal documents, the modus occupies a very definite place injurisprudence. For a lawyer, modus is a technical concept that implies some additional conditions when making non-commercial transactions, wills and gifts. These modes include additional obligations imposed on the recipient of the property.
If the recipient does not fulfill his obligations, various sanctions may be applied to him - from fines to the complete seizure of property in favor of other recipients or the state.
Only those conditions that do not contradict the existing legislation, do not damage the honor and reputation of the performer can be recognized as a modus. Nevertheless, non-fulfillment of additional conditions never leads to the recognition of the transaction as invalid, since the modus itself, according to modern jurists, has an obligation, and not an eternal effect. The modus is interpreted as an additional condition of the agreement, not related to it in essence and expressing the subjective request of the donor (testator). If, for objective reasons, the execution of the modus is impossible, then the transaction will not be canceled.
Results
We hope you have received enough information about what modus is and how it is interpreted by people of various professions. This information is far from complete, but gives an idea of the role played by modes in the modern system of sciences.
