4 ms·

I find the term "shared fiction" just doesn't convey it adequately, at least in English. Fiction is a loaded word that says "not real" where maybe shared truth

by dwd 8y ago

I find the term "shared fiction" just doesn't convey it adequately, at least in English. Fiction is a loaded word that says "not real" where maybe shared truths, shared beliefs (in the sense of the Greek: hupostasis rather than pisteuo) would be better. We can conceptualise and communicate about thing that are immaterial like trust, honor and promises.

yesenadam 8y ago
Well, it's shorter than "wampeters, foma & granfalloons" - A "wampeter" is an object around which the lives of many otherwise unrelated people may revolve. The Holy Grail would be a case in point. "Foma" are harmless untruths, intended to comfort simple souls. An example: "Prosperity is just around the corner." A "granfalloon" is a proud and meaningless association of human beings. - Kurt Vonnegut Jr, Wampeters, Foma & Granfalloons