Style as a symptom: A phenomenological perspective

Abstract

Style is superficial, consisting of surface behaviors, characteristics, outward features, and mannerisms. Style, however, is more than mere appearances. When viewed from a phenomenological perspective, stylistic characteristics reveal themselves to be surface indicators of two deep levels of the human mind: whole systems of thought, and peculiar qualities of the mind which an individual uses to establish links with reality. This perspective means that personal characteristics such as a concern for detail, the sincere valuing of grades, and the facile use of logic to determine truth are not merely happenstance. Like the need for options, the search for meaning, and the wont to draw inferences, these characteristics are integrally tied to deep psychological constructs. Knowledge of the relationships between and among specific stylistic characteristics and their underlying forces can give an astute student of style a means of coming to understand some of the hidden forces behind individual differences and some of the subtle demands built into media and in the environment. Such knowledge can also aid an individual to understand some of the subliminal