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| 29 Jun 2014 12:43 AM |
For example, let's say we're going to have a debate on atheism and theism and agnosticism. Interestingly enough, these words have completely different definitions given the context. So, let's say, you and I both have completely different definitions. Our whole debate will be a conglomerated mess that makes no sense and none of us will have any clue what we're talking about.
On the internet, most people who engage in debate have developed a pretty good consensus on what these words mean. Why do we have a consensus? So we can debate, easy.
But some people refuse to accept the consensus. Sure, if I were to debate with someone specific, I am not going to force my definitions on them. I will expect them to use the consensus, but if they do not, I will request their definition so we can move on with the debate.
But some people will get upset by this and start saying somehow the consensus is "wrong" and that their definition has some magical properties that everyone should change their definition to, and they'll start entire debates and arguments about this simply to change the meaning of a word.
I mean, c'mon. Just agree with the consensus. They're words, they do not even mean anything by themselves. Their meanings are completely related to context. Your argument shouldn't be any less sound just because you use different words. A French person could make the same argument that an Englishmen could. Sure, they would use different words, but words don't matter.
That's why we should simply agree with the consensus on the definition of a word and move on. If someone does not agree with the consensus, request that they agree with it. If they refuse to, simply change your definition to fit theirs, and make it clear that you are doing so. |
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| 29 Jun 2014 12:46 AM |
I agree completely.
"That's just like, your opinion man." -The Dude |
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| 29 Jun 2014 12:46 AM |
Not with brick, with Weasel. Just thought I'd clear that up.
"That's just like, your opinion man." -The Dude |
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| 29 Jun 2014 12:49 AM |
I always laugh when someone tries to argue semantics in a completely unrelated debate.
crush, kill, destroy, swag |
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