(July 17, 2009 at 1:46 pm)Demonaura Wrote: Useless only if you are looking for a final say. Which no matter the word or age of the word SOMEBODY will have a slightly different definition.
They are useless (IOW no better than a guide) when contentious subjects are being discussed.
(July 17, 2009 at 1:46 pm)Demonaura Wrote: Dictionary definitions serve as a starting point, so now that we have said all this how does my interpretation fail because I am 'redefining the word'.
Agreed but to my mind you didn't use it that way, you referenced your entire argument at that point based on the definition you gave.
(July 17, 2009 at 1:46 pm)Demonaura Wrote: Is it bad to redefine or is it impossible not too? All you have said leads me to believe you don't think any definition has any value because others will always disagree.
I think definitions (on subjects like this) have to be based on logic and/or be agreed (that there has to be consensus) ... to my mind you cannot have "real" defined as something with exceptions because that implies that the someone who defined it either has an agenda or that they have over-thought it. In the specific case of your definition of "real" I had immediate reservations in that it sounded EXACTLY like someone was manipulating the definition to suit a specific agenda ... that's why I railed against it.
Kyu
Angry Atheism
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Where those who are hacked off with the stupidity of irrational belief can vent their feelings!
Come over to the dark side, we have cookies!
Kyuuketsuki, AngryAtheism Owner & Administrator
