How is a gun a 'tool'?

[Violet]

Edit: this is all under a *very liberal* understanding of the word 'tool' in order to respond to something that would otherwise be a strawman.

(which is vague and can apply to pretty much anything)

Nobody ever uses the term 'tool' to describe cars, or skyscrapers, or candy, or cigarettes, or books, or paintings or cat gifs, yet they all fit that description, too.

Cars are tools, candy is food and doesn't really fit with the intention of 'tool' (device, assists with the completion of X task) but you might use it as a tool to demonstrate your displeasure with someone (by throwing it at them, bonus points if it was a lollipop). Skyscrapers also wouldn't normally be considered tools, unless say you're flying an airplane into one to make a statement/kill peeps, they are much better defined as 'structures' (which are also manufactured, but do not provide anything more than shelter. Sure, you could loosely say it's a tool for assisting in the escapement of the elements, but it's sketchy and people often won't see it as a tool).

Cigarettes are a tool if your goal is to burn someone with them, or much more likely: get nicotine into your system... right now. Books are often written as tools, but used without a goal and therefore are generally not (if you use one to bludgeon someone on the other hand: tool). Paintings are not disimilar from books, but with far less bludgeoning power (unless book is paperback). Cat gifs are tools if there was a goal in using them.

The whole point of calling a gun a 'tool' is to make it sound like it has uses other than killing and maiming, hence why the pro-gun people compare guns to wrenches, hammers and so forth. You know, objects which everyone considers 'tools' without consulting the dictionary for extra meanings.

It is deliberate sidestepping.

Killing and maiming are both very valid concerns for humankind, especially where hunting and war are concerned. Hammers and wrenches are infact used to bludgeon people, but it's not their primary role. Slaying/maiming is the primary role of firearms.

You shouldn't need to consult a dictionary if you've already a strong grasp of how people use words. Unless you're searching for archaic/out of use words or definitions, that is. But yes, as some 'pro-gun' people use the argument... the argument was a tool to distract/justify their position to themselves. Very few people argue that guns are designed without purpose.

Can it be used? If yes, it has potential to be a tool the moment a goal is associated with that usage.

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Lol didn't know it was possible to be offended by a mentally handicapped redneck. Good one.

It can happen if say... they spit on you