aristotele

[John Farnsworth]

In response to Ann's very interesting question about aristotele (a term new to me) it struck me, after some thought, that this is a very common phenomenon, particularly in some circles. 

If I've understood her description correctly then one simple instance is in name-dropping. I have an acquaintance, for instance, who often lets me know of the powerful, famous or influential people he knows. He does actually appear to know some of them (so, it's more than an apparent connection). However, it also raises the question of *how* he knows them, and I can only (very occasionally) assess this for myself if I am in a position to observe a reciprocal interaction. Sometimes, for instance, it's quite a deferential relationship. In other words, only then can I get a clearer idea of their role relations. 

This is a very simple example but I hope it helps to generate more discussion.

John Farnsworth

> I wonder if we might have a discussion of aristotele here on
> grouptalk.  Specifically, I am thinking of a discussion of
> sociometric status which is ascribed to a person due to their
> connection, or apparent connection to another person who has a
> higher or more stable sociometric status.  I think the converse is
> also true. (Guilt by association, for example)  Sociometric
> positions are rarely "fixed" and depend upon reciprocity, group
> role repertoire, etc; however, there are some persons who become
> fixed in their position until some event provides the opportunity
> for persons to examine their sociometric choices on a new set of
> criteria.  What I hope could come from a discussion like this is a
> clearer picture of de-personalization which seems to be present in
> the aristotelic-based connection.  Ann Hale