The silly season of quadrennial presidential politics is upon us. Time to consider words we throw out (up?) every day of our lives. Governor Perry (now a mere memory) says he does "not believe" in global warming. Of course, "believe" functions badly here. This sounds like those who say they "believe" the world is flat or some who might say they do not "believe" in gravity.
We get sloppy and misuse these words or treat them as synonyms: Belief, knowledge, thought, persuasion, conviction . . . What Governor Romney and what Helen Smith understand by "free enterprise" is worlds apart. Am I "persuaded" that Helen Smith is correct or Am I "convinced" that she is correct; are they synonyms? Do I "know" the world was created in seven days or do I "believe" the world was created in seven days. Do I "think" that atoms and molecules exist or do I "know" they do.
Why does precise use of language matter? Does it? Like, you know, people can figure out what I mean . . . can't they?
Yes, one's choice of words leads the audience to an interpretation of the writer's words. Whether their interpretation is an accurate understanding or not, is an altogether different and very hard question to answer. I'm not sure what else to say... I don't think this comment is an adequate response but I "know" that if I don't post anything on your blog by February, my actions will "persuade" you to strike my grade with a fist of judgment.
ReplyDeleteAccording to OED:
ReplyDeleteto know-The fact or state of knowing something
to believe-To accept (a thing) as authentic.
So, if Dr. DuPree beleves that the world was created in seven days, he accepts that belief as an authentic fact. Therefore, Dr. Dupree knows that the world was created in 7 days. By this logic, differnet people could believe, and therefore know, different things, which leads to differing of opions. What I know and believe may be different from what Osei knows and believes, which may be different from what Dr. DuPree knows and believes. Therefore, precison, and proper explanation of language is always necessary so that others can figure what you mean and why.
Kelliann couldn't have said it in a better way.
ReplyDeleteIn reality being precise with your words does not truly matter. Anyone can manipulate your words to fit their own agenda whether you say "believe" or "know." Although words are intended to mean certain things, anyone can alter these meanings to express however they feel.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to Osei's wise words of wisdom, the interpretation of an audience is based on their own ideals, not necessarily by what the speaker says. As kelliann said, the bible is free to interpret by the audience, and nobody can tell you that you're interpreting it incorrectly. Interpretation is free will, and part of our personal identity, and no one can take it away.
ReplyDeleteBelief:: a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing
ReplyDelete2
: something believed; especially : a tenet or body of tenets held by a group
3
: conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence
If a belief is indeed "conviction of the truth of reality based on examination of evidence" then perhaps all of the aforementioned synonyms of belief are indeed synonyms, But not because their definitions agree with that of "Belief". Perhaps they are synonymous because they all show that humans twist the world they see and infuse it with their own opinions, making it impossible to take these words into account with set meanings and in the same setting, as they all have an infinite variation of meanings to an infinite variation of people.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belief
DeleteI know that beleif is strong. Everyone should be careful wth how they word anything. Once it leave sthe tongue you never get it back.
ReplyDeleteeverybody interprets things differently and they are allowed to because of freedom of speech.
ReplyDeleteIt really depends on the situation. In politics, a case scenario in which man people are affected, demands precise and clear language. So many times we hear the word "opinion", yet an opinion is an extremely unreliable thing to stand on considering it's definition is a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. Many people I feel do not think about things like this, including me from time to time. Precision is important because without it, people can manipulate language to the point where they can deceive you without lying, which is something you see in politics often.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important that language is used precisely so that you are not misunderstood, especially for someone in the presidential race!!
ReplyDeletePrecise language needs to be used because it is the most concise way to deliver the intended message. For instance, former presidential hopeful Rick Perry should of said that he doesn't think that there is global warming. A US President needs to be articulate enough so that the rest of the country knows his true intent. Misinterpretation could be catastrophic.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteIn everyday conversation, we can presume what people are saying based on the context of the conversation, and what we "know" about the person. When it comes to political speeches, each sentence can be pulled out to be quoted by the masses. Candidates must say precisely what they mean in proper English; just because a common person misuses words in everyday conversation does not give them the liberty to. Not only,as John said,does "a US President need to be articulate enough so that the rest of the country knows his true intent," but a translation of the incorrect word into another language could vary the meaning so much that it could cause an international incident.
ReplyDeleteLanguage matters in all conversation because you have to word what you say really properly or could be misunderstood. This is a reoccurring thing that I see among us everyday, because when you are talking to friends you say something that could be misunderstood, but you know they won't take it the wrong way. On however the political spectrum, you have to watch what you say because the press, manipulate and frame it in a bad/worse way. I think this also happened with Romney when he said he does not care about the people in poverty accidently.
ReplyDeleteAs to what Jay said, you can "misuse" language in everyday conversation because your everyday conversation is with people you know. These people understand what you're saying because they know you well. But in politics the candidate must use proper language because they are speaking to a larger audience, people they don't know. It makes them look better when they use proper language and make it clear as to what it is they are saying.
ReplyDeleteEven if someone expresses their point perfectly, some will misinterpret the intended message. To minimize misinterpretation of writing or speech, one must convey their thoughts as clearly as possible.
ReplyDeleteIn politics, language is vital in order to get one's point across correctly. The words "persuade" and "convince" are similar and different in their contexts. To persuade someone is to possibly bribe someone into doing something that he or she originally did not believe in and may still not believe in. To convince someone is to change his or her mindset so that he or she truly does believe in it presently. People think that these words are synonyms, but most dictionary definitions prove this "common belief" wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe problem when using the word "belief" when it comes to subjects such as global warming seems to come from people getting the impression that the matter is based on purely blind faith. To say "I don't believe in global warming" completely disregards the years of scientific research spent trying to support or to find evidence against the theory. No matter your stance on the issue, it is disrespectful to treat the issue as if all the research on it was based on faith as opposed to hard work and scientific evidence. What Governor Perry should have said was "I am not yet convinced by the evidence presented that global warming is a viable issue."
ReplyDeleteYour choice of words is important when it comes to words such as "know" and "believe." These words are not interchangeable because your belief expresses your opinion whereas your knowledge expresses facts/information.
ReplyDeleteprecise use of language matters a lot because especially in this case. To "believe" and to "know" have really different meanings. To believe something comes from the knowledge of other people ; if you "believe" the world was created in 7 days this is because the things people have been telling you not because you "know" for a fact that it was created in 7 days. But this changes for the context of the topic. For example you "know" the world is not flat if you do research and work on it, you will see facts to prove that right and your "belief" will become your "knowledge"
ReplyDelete