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===6.3. A Projective Point of View===

===6.3. A Projective Point of View===

A necessary connection between signs and reflection gives the TOI its critical function as a transitional object in the development of inquiry.  In the form of a TOI, I address my reflection as if it were the reflection of another.  On the off chance that it renders me a bit more critical, as I eye both its sources of authority and its styles of presentation, I can regard the record of this reflection as a partially alienated object, an artifact of unknown origin, or a work of uncertain provenance.  And so the very existence of a sign, that takes after another in a search for its meaning and ultimately takes its place in tracing the traces of that process of inquiry, is intimately bound up with the act of reflection.

A necessary connection between signs and reflection gives the TOI its critical function as a transitional object in the development of inquiry.  In the form of a TOI, I address my reflection as if it were the reflection of another.  On the off chance that it renders me a bit more critical, as I eye both its sources of authority and its styles of presentation, I can regard the record of this reflection as a partially alienated object, an artifact of unknown origin, or a work of uncertain provenance.  And so the very existence of a sign, that takes after another in a search for its meaning and ultimately takes its place in tracing the traces of that process of inquiry, is intimately bound up with the act of reflection.

There is, moreover, a connection between the act of reflection and the psychological mechanism called "projection" that is useful to notice here.  As it happens in practice, the effect of reflection is frequently achieved, not directly, by means of a deliberate effort to observe and to evaluate one's own conduct, but more indirectly, through the initial observation and the subsequent criticism of another's behavior, finally followed up by the often delayed afterthought and usually reluctant insight that the properties ascribed to the other's behavior can also apply to one's own.

There is, moreover, a connection between the act of reflection and the psychological mechanism called ''projection'' that is useful to notice here.  As it happens in practice, the effect of reflection is frequently achieved, not directly, by means of a deliberate effort to observe and to evaluate one's own conduct, but more indirectly, through the initial observation and the subsequent criticism of another's behavior, finally followed up by the often delayed afterthought and usually reluctant insight that the properties ascribed to the other's behavior can also apply to one's own.

The relationship between the isolated components of behavior in this sort of "projective" situation amounts to a familiar kind of sign relation.  In regard to the properties possessed in common, the other's pattern of behavior is an icon, at first unrecognized, of one's own form of conduct.  The introspective act of recognizing and assimilating the significance of such a relationship is referred to as "retracting" or "re owning" the projected attributes and descriptions.  To sum things up in these terms, the retraction of a projection can bring about, in its composite fashion, the ultimate effect of a critical reflection, namely, the elicitation and application of a valid description to one's own conduct.

The relationship between the isolated components of behavior in this sort of ''projective'' situation amounts to a familiar kind of sign relation.  In regard to the properties possessed in common, the other's pattern of behavior is an icon, at first unrecognized, of one's own form of conduct.  The introspective act of recognizing and assimilating the significance of such a relationship is referred to as ''retracting'' or ''re-owning'' the projected attributes and descriptions.  To sum things up in these terms, the retraction of a projection can bring about, in its composite fashion, the ultimate effect of a critical reflection, namely, the elicitation and application of a valid description to one's own conduct.

Before the usefulness of this insight can be appreciated, it is necessary to resolve an interdisciplinary conflict over the use of the term "projection" and to sort out the relationship between the psychological and the mathematical concepts of "projection".

Before the usefulness of this insight can be appreciated, it is necessary to resolve an interdisciplinary conflict over the use of the term ''projection'' and to sort out the relationship between the psychological and the mathematical concepts of projection.

O time, thou must untangle this, not I.

O time, thou must untangle this, not I.

It is too hard a knot for me t'untie.

It is too hard a knot for me t'untie.