high argument

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Martin Kmín  #187514  Mon, 23 Jan 06 01:16 PM
Hi, could anyone please elucidate the meaning of "high argument"?
Thank you
  
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goldmund  #187528  Mon, 23 Jan 06 01:42 PM

Dear Martin Kmín,

It is in my opinion «a matter for serious and important debate». It is a question about essential things.

It is a term in computer programming also. Smile [:)]

Kindest regards, Smile [:)]

Goldmund

  
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Mister Micawber  #187529  Mon, 23 Jan 06 01:42 PM

Googling suggests that it has both epistemological and cybernetic associations.  Can you give us further context?

  
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Martin Kmín  #187539  Mon, 23 Jan 06 02:06 PM
Well, I suppose I have a general idea of what this means, but in literature, there can be sometimes found a reference to a Biblical, Milton's or Wordswoth's high argument. I wonder what it alludes to in these specific contexts.
  
davkett  #187568  Mon, 23 Jan 06 03:24 PM

My guess--in those contexts, 'high argument' = lofty, principled, high-minded, critical, of essential value, definitive, profound, deeply considered, involving superior insight--that kind of thing.

  
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MrPedantic  #187747  Tue, 24 Jan 06 01:11 AM

"Argument" in a poetic context can mean "the principal theme of the poem".

So you might say that Milton's "high argument" in Paradise Lost is "to justify the ways of God to men" (I.26); while Wordworth's in The Prelude is to depict "the growth of a poet's mind".

The "high arguments" of each of the books of the Old and New Testament would take a little longer to summarise.

MrP

  
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Martin Kmín  #187968  Tue, 24 Jan 06 01:36 PM
Thank you a lot, that s perfectly sufficient.
  
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