Permalink :  http://hdl.handle.net/2115/38486

I. A text that consists of multiple sentences constructs and creates its meaning through the order and composition of those sentences. In this paper I examine EastAsian rhetorical organization, the four-part framework for composition Ki-Shoo-Ten-Ketsu 起承転結, and make clear that it is an essential framework, not only for narrative, but also logic. II. First, I analyze several articles from Japanese newspapers with regard to their composition and the relationships between paragraphs. I demonstrate that the four-part order is a fundamental logical principle. It is composed of: I. a beginning (Ki); II. the subsequent progression (Shoo); III. change (Ten); and IV. the conclusion (Ketsu). But, because of a lack of a coherence caused by the introduction of unexpected elements at the third stage (change), recently this ancient Chinese framework has been regarded as an unlogical pattern and does not play an important role in writing in Japan. III. However, if we define a text as a collection of sentences that constitutes a Question-Answer-System, every text should begin with an explicit or implicit question. The question or unsolved problem presented in the first section is explained in detail in the second part II. At this point, the problem has still not been solved, so the linear logic reaches a dead end. It is the third part, III. the change, where changes in the inadequate linear logic show us new ideas and perspectives for finding a solution. That is the reason why we have the introduction of unexpected elements into the normal logical progression in the third part. The Ten (change) section is a turning point and has the function of critiquing and overturning inadequate existing research. The revolutionary function of the Ten section is the most important and indispensable part of the Question-Answer-System within the text. The final fourth part, IV conclusion (Ketsu) depends on the third part and summarizes its results and implications. The newly reinterpreted model of the ancient four-part-order, Ki-Shoo-Ten-Ketsu, therefore, creates the following thinking-matrix:I. Question, II. Explanation of circumstances to III. Turning point and Proposal of new Ideas and IV. Answer and Solution. While I.and II.belong to the Question-dimension, III. and IV. constitute symmetrically the Answer-dimension. In this new order, III. (Ten) leads the final part IV. (Ketsu) to an answer to the question posed in I. (Ki). In other words, III. (Ten) is literally located at the center of the text and it is the other parts I., II. and IV.,that serve to provide the context for the Ten (Change) part. IV. The logical and revolutionary function of Ten (Change) has been overlooked in the past in the Western history of rhetoric and writing theory. But, a clear comprehension of the fundamental matrix for narrative and logical thinking, the four-part-framework Ki-Shoo-Ten-Ketsu, will bring about a number of new perspectives and innovations in our cultural texts, both Asian and European.

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