3 ms·
In which we learn that forgiveness is a suitcase word (prone to useless debate as each party uses a different definition) https://alexvermeer.com/unpacking-sui
by paulsutter 6y ago
In which we learn that forgiveness is a suitcase word (prone to useless debate as each party uses a different definition)
https://alexvermeer.com/unpacking-suitcase-words/ https://alexvermeer.com/unpacking-suitcase-words/
- Lammy 6y agoI've unfortunately run into this concept many times firsthand, but thank you for finally giving me a term for it! Hopefully naming it will make it easier to talk about. As long as we can keep "suitcase word" to a single definition, of course.
- coldtea 6y agoAren't those the only words that matter? Anything else, that everybody is clear and agrees on, might as well not be discussed at all...
- dicytea 6y agoThe category doesn't necessarily imply any value judgement by itself, at least as discussed in that article.
- munchbunny 6y agoThe activity of unpacking those words is important, because in the process you get to an actual debate and not just people talking past each other. Once you do it everyone involved realizes that they mostly agree anyway, that they actually disagree on something fundamental, or that some people are intentionally clouding the argument to try to make a dishonest point.
- waterhouse 6y agoIf definitions are clear and everyone agrees on them, then discussion can be about whether those definitions apply. Discussion is then about the real world. The definition of murder is pretty clear and widely agreed on; there is plenty of room for discussion about whether it was Smith or Jones who committed it. If definitions are unclear or people disagree on them, then discussion may either be about the definitions and not about the real world, or be incoherent.
- Lammy 6y agoThe real problem is when you and another person have a different working definition of something "everyone is clear and agrees on" and make plans or agreements around the assumption of shared definition. The way you will find out will not be fun.
- Waterfall 6y agoI never knew the term before! Thank you. I've heard it applied to love, for women it often means it willingness of others to sacrifice for them, and for men it's dedication, at least in heterosexual relationships in the West. I've found these expectations truthful in my life. Had no idea it was a class of words.
- glenstein 6y agoI would join others here in saying this is a useful concept. I wonder, though, if you were to drop it in conversation that anyone would know what you mean or if it would just disorient them and demand explanation.
- nathias 6y agothis is the most philosophically abject concept I came across in a while ...