Explanation
Stasis prevents disputants from arguing past one another. A diffuse controversy is examined in turn to determine whether the event itself, its definition, its quality, or jurisdiction is disputed. Only once the standing issue is clear can appropriate argument begin.
Example
The decisive issue is not whether an entry is absent, but whether the existing variant should count as an independent profile.
Counterexample
We disagree. The statement does not determine what the disagreement concerns.
Distinction
Distinguish it from a topic: a topic names the subject area; stasis locates the decisive disagreement. Distinguish it from standstill: rhetorical stasis is a procedure of clarification, not immobility.
Effect on thought and perception
Concentrates scattered objections into a decidable question and reveals what kind of answer is required.
Resonance
Many lines of dispute meet in one node; only identifying it opens the next path.
Etymology
Greek stasis · standing, position, dispute; Latin status
Provenance
Oxford glossary → HWRh cross-check where available → movement-of-thought analysis → ATLAS 235
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Stasis“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-OXD-0006. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-OXD-0006The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.