The Truth Of Sorcery By James T. Siegel

A name is a feature given to individuals, objects, or concepts to distinguish itself from what is similar but not the same. A name comes with recognition, suggesting a role in society. Meaning to give something a name you give it a social meaning. For example, a person is human because they possess a name tied to their unique character, personality, and identity. Although a name might be shared, an individual is set apart from how their society or community interprets their identity - affecting the interpretation of their name. If the person were not to have a name, they possess no identity and are thought to have their humanity stripped away. Though a contradiction arises when one considers names that suggest a question of one value, identity,

Siegel retells an event of a young boy, age 17, and a young girl, age 12. A young boy is accused of witchcraft for the young girl's vast change. As he is accused, he is named a witch. Sigel underlines the power of language, and copulas, specifically the copula in the grammar word “is”- “Is” meaning to be true- using the analysis of both synthetic and analytical statements. Referencing synthetic statements, the young boy can reject or accept the name his decision will recognize the power of the name. Therefore, the community in Siegel's reading created a boundary between the abnormal and the normal utilizing the power of “magic” which cannot be explained but becomes scrutinized. To give or accept a name suggests authority, the said name then provokes emotions from society influenced by the existing language and social

Noticing the reaction of the community, the young boy weaponizes himself with language to sprout fear. The fear stemmed from the supposed magic and articulation of the young boy. His recitation of words was assumed to possess power, though this assumption was made because of the existing belief that he performed witchcraft. For instance, while the young boy was performing to confirm his magic he mimicked the behaviors of the young girl, abnormal and unexplained behaviors contrast with societal norms. His act insinuates his acceptance of his new given identity and role in his community, he is no longer “normal” or “one of us” but set apart from the rest - a boundary is set. Siegel suggests in his writing, “He accuses himself not ... to please his accusers but to associate himself with the power that has been attributed to him… In that sense, he is in its power” (Siegel 146.) In other words, the community pushed the name onto him, and the young boy accepted the name because of his social understanding and perception of the name. Presumably, the young boy used analytical judgment to decide on accepting the name. For example, when one thinks of the statement ‘Witchcraft is harmful’ one (and the community or society) will assume the statement to be true – making it an analytical statement. The