If we consider how theoretical operations belonging to the
methodological inventory of linguistics are carried out (i. e. the way
linguistic theories are set up), three main criteria suggest themselves
for classifying them: (1) Both, nature and type of the aims of the
scientific knowledge applied which allow to specify the epistemological
interests as well as the theoretical impact constituting the purpose of
linguistic operations; (2) the nature of the intellectual procedures in
connection with which a set of intersubjectively acceptable operations
should guarantee that current postulates of the theory of science be
maintained; (3) the set of data serving as an empirical basis for the
theories to be estab- lished on the one hand and as a correlate for the
further development, the testing and the evaluation of theories on the
other hand. It is to be considered a basic concept (as well as a motive)
of current text- linguistic research that due to the linguistic analysis
of discourses a further development of linguistics has set in or is
still to be achieved as regards the three criteria mentioned above.
Therefore, if we want to estimate text-linguistic approaches (or
concepts), works (methods), or knowledge (results) we should take the
view allowing for the general valuation of the linguistic discipline or
one of its sub-disciplines. This should be done with respect to the
contributions gathered in this volume as well.