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Yes, how can one know, except to see if the other person is able to put the thing communicated to use in a way that implies understanding. In my elephant example, one can simply ask that the person draw a sketch based upon the description, and see if they have gotten some notion of the thing. In the case of a religious doctrine, one might ask how two or three doctrines relate, and thus see in the ability to "connect the dots" that there has been some comprehension of each. But, in many instances, there is no test available to administer, and we just have to pray....Edwarda and I were earlier discussing empathy a bit, and you are right, since most people have at least experienced similar emotions, if not always at the same level of intensity, we can sometimes enhance understanding by conveying the effect of things on us, to serve as a point of reference. In addition, if Jung is right, there may be patterns that are common to the species that at least promise a comprehension of the most basic elements of a narrative, and thus give us something additional to "flesh out". Whether or not Jung is right, it is likely that there are themes that are generally common to humanity that can shape the most powerful narratives...Quintillius may be setting too high a standard...You have been a splendid interlocutor on this! |
