Words-as-Sovereignties
Words-as-Sovereignties A Theory of Linguistic Power and Cognitive Rule 1. Core Claim Every word functions like a sovereign ruler over a territory of mind and action. Not metaphorically — operationally. When a word enters a mind, it does three things: Defines what exists Defines what matters Defines what actions are legitimate So a word does what a government does. 2. The Territory of a Word A sovereignty requires land. A word’s land is a cognitive domain . Word Territory it Rules What becomes visible Freedom autonomy, rights, resistance oppression appears Efficiency optimization, metrics waste appears Honor reputation, loyalty betrayal appears Trauma harm, healing responsibility shifts Sin morality, guilt repentance appears Evolution adaptation, survival design disappears Market exchange, value price logic dominates Once the word rules, perception reorganizes around it. You don’t merely use the word — you now liv...