3 ms·
My impression is that it's simply from the fact that most papers have multiple authors - so it's a bit incorrect to use the singular even if only one person wri
by geokon 4y ago
My impression is that it's simply from the fact that most papers have multiple authors - so it's a bit incorrect to use the singular even if only one person writes the text (you're speaking on behalf of your "collective"). This carries over to other forms like textbooks
It also functions like the passive voice and makes it sound a bit like the author is less individually responsible for the words he says
My personally impression is that using "I" sounds more honest/direct and less evasive than "we". I've never seen it used outside of blogs though :/
- Nevermark 4y ago"We" not only might include multiple author's, but can also imply an inclusion of the reader following along as the logic of some argument is made. In that sense "we" comes across as very inclusive, whereas "I" is maximally exclusive, lowering a subconscious attention and persuasion barrier for the reader. Example: "Given those facts, we verify our conclusion as follows ..."
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]