earticle

영어

This study searches for a precise meaning of 'object,' which is in general use as an important concept in the study of language. We first look into some instances of misunderstanding that have characterized previous definitions of the term, Dictionary definitions are also reviewed which strike one as problematic. In an attempt to grasp the precise meaning of 'object,' two concepts of the term are examined: first, whether to treat 'object' as a reality of the external or subjective consciousness of the inner substance; second, how to define the direction of the object. Object is suggestive of the subjective consciousness of the inner realities as well as the external ones. Furthermore, the objectivity of the consciousness and external realities are grounded in different meanings. In terms of directionality of the object, the direction of 'object to subject' as well as 'subject to object should be considered. Therefore, relationship between the subject and the object can be presupposed to be bidirectional.