Big words

[de Silentio]

Originally Posted by Arjen

A philosopher who strove for simplicity in his work was Descartes,

I have heard it said that Plato is so accesible because there was no philosophical language in place when he wrote. He had no other choice but to NOT use "big words".

[Aedes]

Originally Posted by de Silentio

I have heard it said that Plato is so accesible because there was no philosophical language in place when he wrote. He had no other choice but to NOT use "big words".

His student Aristotle certainly used a lot, though -- I mean eudaimonea?

[Justin]

Originally Posted by socrato

Why must you all use big words. You can't honestly say you talk the way you write?!

Some people, believe it or not talk past many other with large and elaborate vocabularies. Like said in previous posts, philosophers tend to string big words together. This, while not necessarily the best way of getting a point across, is an opportunity for you to learn what some of these words mean.

I for one, do not like to use big words because the point can still be made in simple terms. There's nothing wrong with being simple nor is there anything wrong with using big words.

People who tend to use big words that are out of the ordinary, talk past each other and rarely get the message across that they intended. There are people in this world who can talk with big words and understand them, but they are usually not so good and presenting a message clearly for the ordinary reader.

Each of us have a unique way of expressing our thoughts and sometime emotions. Nothing wrong with that either way.

Originally Posted by Theaetetus

I have a sort word you may understand--ban. Sounds like a nice solution to your problem of big words.

There's no reason for comments like that towards another member. ... is there?

[Theaetetus]

Originally Posted by Justin

There's no reason for comments like that towards another member. ... is there?

This comment grew out of seeing about five quick posts that were pointless. One about this being a ghetto community, another about video games being better than books, and yet another about reading being a waste of time. This thread just seemed like a continuation of low-brow "humor".

[Justin]

Originally Posted by Theaetetus

This comment grew out of seeing about five quick posts that were pointless. One about this being a ghetto community, another about video games being better than video games, and yet another about reading being a waste of time. This thread just seemed like a continuation of low-brow "humor".

No worries. Will take a look and please don't hesitate to report a post if you see it. It's very difficult to read every post as this forum continues to grow so we depend much on the community to report posts that don't belong.

To the right side and on top of every post is a icon and clicking that will present you with a text box where you explain the reason you reported the post. This post is immediately copied into the admin and moderators forums and email notifications are sent out.

If they don't belong, they will be removed, edited or deleted altogether. Be on the look out for my video tutorial this weekend on some of the features you may not know even exist and thank you for responding... On with the Big Words discussion!

[Arjen]

Originally Posted by de Silentio

I have heard it said that Plato is so accesible because there was no philosophical language in place when he wrote. He had no other choice but to NOT use "big words".

LOL, on the other hand the big meanings mostly were written down by him first.

[one-philosophy]

Originally Posted by socrato

Why must you all use big words. You can't honestly say you talk the way you write?!

Unfortunately my dearest companion, I concieve it indubadably impossible, and incoherently impassable, when writing inhumanly macroscopic* forms of communication; to significantly reduce, thereby decreasing, the gastronomic properties of my exponentially increasing word size.

*(macro is opposite of micro)

[Ennui]

Big words does not elucidates that it is bombastic,for we use them in written and orally virtually every minute,they are indispensable.Furthermore,we read books,et cetera,and shouldn't we learn unprecedented words?Have faith in me,with willingness everyone can be a professional of words,and you will be satiated.

[jgweed]

There are times when philosophical thinking needs to use words in a very precise sense, or to describe occasions that are not commonplace, or to establish through definition an unique vocabulary that will allow it to communicate fully the results of its meditation.

In a way, the philosopher shares with the poet a world-making (poesis in Greek is a "making" or a "creating"), and though the objects intended may differ, the medium of language does not. Both often seek to expand the literal or usual meanings of words, both often search for verbal metaphors in their accounts.
To ask of a Shakespeare to use simple words would be to deny him the use of "the multitudinous seas incarnadine" and replace it with pinkish waters; something unique and important is lost. So,too, it is with philosophy.

[TickTockMan]

Originally Posted by socrato

Why must you all use big words. You can't honestly say you talk the way you write?!

Yes, I'm afraid I do. Perhaps this is why I have achieved a near-mythical pariah status among my small circle of simian acquaintances.