What is literature?

Many sources tend to have different definitions for the same word. Here are two sources about the definition of the literature.

"What is Literature: A MPS Debate", the first informant of this submission, uses two features of the consistent perception to dispute on the true definition of what literature is. "The following is the transcript of a conversation between two facets of the same person/consciousness." The text recognizes the two components as JAW, an aesthete writer and JPM, a post-modernist philosopher, which the transcription locks the two into a combat of intellectual wit over the same fundamental question."…who are locked in bitter intellectual combat in my head. Their topic: the perennial question, “What is Literature?” According to JAW, the definition of literature is simply just the purpose of verbal communication for articulating one's identity. “Literature is the use of language for self-expression – anything that is written with the intention of self-expression qualifies as literature.” However, JPM contradicts JAW by stating there is no true definition, even though he or she announces that the nature literature is an intrinsically personified notion of viewpoints. “Literature is an inherently individualised and perspectival concept with no one correct definition. Distinctions within the concept “literature” are similarly impossible to entertain for the same reasons.” Apparently, as the discussion continues, the two mental figures draw into a stalemate where both voices proclaim individually as the true victor. "JAW: Then it seems like you’ve just conceded my case.” ”JPM: No, you’ve conceded to mine.” “JAW: No!" “JPM: Yes!"

The second source comes from the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia and provides a reasonable explanation upon the definition of what literature is. In reference to Wikipedia, the definition of literature is plainly just a familiarity with letters as a compilation of content, which regards to any structure of passages, such as a thesis. “Literature is literally "an acquaintance with letters" as in the first sense given in the Oxford English Dictionary… The term has generally come to identify a collection of texts. The word "literature" as a common noun can refer to any form of writing, such as essays…” In addition, the online encyclopedia identifies that literature can also present as complete unity of literary work, which can consider international recognition or collaboration from particular ethnicity. “"Literature" as a proper noun refers to a whole body of literary work, world-wide or relating to a specific culture.” Nevertheless, Wikipedia notes that there is an often conflict upon to true meaning behind what literature truly is. “There is often confusion regarding the actual definition of literature and Literature.” Since the general term of literature implies to any form of writing, while Literature corresponds to a sophisticated form of text. “"Literature" refers to written work of exceptional intellectual calibre, whereas "literature" can be anything written.”

Personally, I would more than likely agree with Wikipedia as it brought attention to a specific problem with today's understanding over "literature" and "Literature." Unlike the other source, the online encyclopedia presented facts and not simply just opinions and ideas concerning what the true definiton over the word "literature." Most importantly, Wikipedia took position over the principle concerns addressed in the previous informant and supplied information that would easily settle the case between the arguement presented in "What is Literature: A MPS Debate".

"What is Literature: A MPS Debate" Vassar College Student Webpages <"http://students.vassar.edu/jofigdor/whatislit.htm">.

"Literature", Wikipedia. 23 September 2005. <"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature">.