Edelman's Objective vs Projective Distinction Through Systemic Functional Linguistics

Edelman (1992: 8):

We can say this in a flurry of rhymes and near rhymes: intersubjective communication in science must be objective, not projective. No wonder that magic, vitalism, and animism pervaded prescientific communication. The projection of individual wishes, beliefs, and desires was not only allowed but was a major goal to be achieved in organising societies for defence against natural threats in a sensible way.

Blogger Comments:

From the perspective of Systemic Functional Linguistic theory, Edelman's distinction between 'objective' and 'projective' is the distinction between the cognitive projection of thoughts and the desiderative projection of wishes and hopes, respectively.

The interpersonal counterpart of cognitive projection — I think x — is modalisation: probability and usuality, and so Edelman's notion of objective scientific communication involves propositions (questions and statements) of probability and usuality.

The interpersonal counterpart of desiderative projection — I want x — is modulation: inclination and obligation, and so Edelman's notion of prescientific communication involves proposals (offers and commands) of inclination and obligation.