4 ms·
Literal truth is a cardinal value but small talk like 'How are you?' also has an important epistemic function: to maintain a dialogue and permit the ongoing abi
by bafferphone 14y ago
Literal truth is a cardinal value but small talk like 'How are you?' also has an important epistemic function: to maintain a dialogue and permit the ongoing ability to arrive at truths. Thus the paradox is that in order to maximize the growth of knowledge we make judicious use of small talk, platitudes, humor, etc.
- dredmorbius 14y agoIt's a conversational and social handshake protocol. As with other syntactic sugar, it establishes a conversation and a convention. Where you go with it is up to you.