VKS comments on Rationality Quotes April 2012 - Less Wrong

4 Post author: Oscar_Cunningham 03 April 2012 12:42AM

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Comment author: VKS 04 April 2012 11:28:08PM -1 points [-]

Well then the term reptile is somewhat deceptive in evolutionary biology, and based more on some consensus about appearance. Fine. Whatever. The point is that the word metaphysics isn't evocative in that way or any way, except in the context of its historical usage. As such, it cannot inform us in any way about any subject that isn't the phenomenon of its acceptance as a field, and is not even a useful subject heading, being a hodgepodge. We can choose whether to continue to use it, and I don't see why we should.

Comment author: J_Taylor 04 April 2012 11:42:05PM 2 points [-]

Within the field of philosophy, the usage is a fairly normal term, much like 'reptile' or 'sex' are normal terms for most people. Much of my vocabulary comes from that field and I am most comfortable using its terms. 'Metaphysics' is one of many problematic terms which are evocative to me, because I understand how these terms are used. Asking someone who studies philosophy to stop using 'metaphysics' is like asking someone who studies biology to stop using 'species'.

However, it is your prerogative to use whatever terms you prefer. I am sure that we are both trying to be pragmatic.