Look at Me! I Am the "Definer" Now!

[MineralMan]

Last edited Wed Dec 5, 2018, 10:29 AM - Edit history (1)

Being called a "definer" as some sort of pejorative name is as funny as being called a "human being" in the same way.

Each of us defines our own world view, based on whatever criteria we choose and on what knowledge we think we have. Our unique views on an enormous range of concepts actually define us.

Here in the Religion Group on DU, a few individuals regularly offer up their opinions on topics related to religious belief. Those opinions are based on their definitions. We are all definers here. Some of us have solid definitions of things. Others have shifting ones that change constantly, depending on what point we want to make and on our limited understanding.

Some of us are even unable or unwilling to provide definitions when asked, even though we carry those definitions around with us like baggage. Others of us are more than willing to share our definitions. Still others can't quite put what they have defined for themselves into words.

As a lifelong definer, I do not expect my definitions to be the same as anyone else's. None of us should expect others to share our definitions of things that have no universally accepted definitions. None of us should expect others to change their definitions to suit someone else.

There is no shame in being a definer. It is not a pejorative term. The word simply defines all of us to one degree or another.

[marylandblue]

1. I look forward to the first edition of MineralMan's Dictionary of American English

Especially the definition of God, which is sure to be controversial among theological lexicographers.

[MineralMan]

3. Hmm...I'll have to start working on that:

Last edited Wed Dec 5, 2018, 11:38 AM - Edit history (1)

God n. (gawd) -
1. Any of various imaginary, supernatural entities supposed to have extraordinary powers and attributes. A deity.
2. A particular deity worshiped exclusively by a group of monotheistic human beings.
3. Any of several deities in polytheistic religions.
4. (expletive) A non-specific entity called upon at times of ecstasy, anger, rage, or surprise, combined with other expletives. e.g.: Oh, God! Oh my God! Goddammit! For God's sake!, etc.
5. (proper noun) The particular deity worshiped by Jews and Christian. Also known as Allah by Muslims.

[fantase56]

31. Just love reading your posts.

Great start on defining "gawd".

[MineralMan]

36. You're far too kind.

[Major Nikon]

2. 18th Commandment

Just sayin’

[trotsky]

4. "Definer" "choir" "11th commandment"

The words change, but the goal remains the same: to demonize and/or dehumanize people with different opinions, to marginalize them, and to negate what they say so someone does not have to engage in actual discussion or debate of the issues, particularly when that someone is horrendously and embarrassingly ill-equipped to do so.

[NeoGreen]

5. This

All of which are forms of an Ad Hominem fallacy:
Ad hominem {Latin for "to the person"}, short for argumentum ad hominem, is a fallacious argumentative strategy whereby genuine discussion of the topic at hand is avoided by instead attacking the character, motive, or other attribute of the person making the argument, or persons associated with the argument, rather than attacking the substance of the argument itself.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_hominem



Paul Graham's Hierarchy of Disagreement lists ad hominem as the second lowest type of argument in a disagreement.

Emphasis added.

[MineralMan]

6. Hello Definer...

[NeoGreen]

7. Does your label put me in...

...good company or as just another voice in the multitude?

Feel free to expand the choices, if you rail against decidedly imposed binary options.

[MineralMan]

8. In excellent company.

But someone had to say it, I think. As I said earlier, "We are all definers now."

[Major Nikon]

20. That's one of the best illustrations of what constitutes substantial discourse

Some never seem to rise far from the bottom.

[guillaumeb]

9. What an interesting example of what you claim is being done.

But your posts are out there for all to see, even the old ones.

[MineralMan]

10. As are yours. As are yours.

However, you have convinced yourself that you are correct and that others are wrong.

[guillaumeb]

12. As are yours,

including the one you recently deleted. Perhaps because of how it was developing.

[MineralMan]

13. I have no problem with people reviewing my posts and making

judgments about them. They represent my opinions, as I clearly state at the bottom of every post. I stand by my opinions.

You have called me a "definer." I accept that appellation gladly. Of course I am. We all are definers. If we were not, we would have no world views or ethics at all. You use the word as a pejorative. I claim it as a positive description. I define things for myself.

Thus, this thread.

As for the thread I deleted, I explained my reason in the final post before ending the discussion through self-deletion. You're welcome to read that, as is anyone else here.

[guillaumeb]

14. And as I actually said,

my use of the word "definer" is intended to point out that some here apparently feel that only they can define what is an acceptable reading of Biblical text. And that claim puts them in the company of the Biblical literalists.


As to the deleted thread, the tone of the responses, and who they were from, is revealing.

[MineralMan]

15. You apparently thought your "definer" epithet was clever.

You applied it to several members of this Group with whom you frequently disagree. We can all see what you did, Guy. I decided to reclaim your insult and return it to its actual meaning. And here you are, as expected.

[guillaumeb]

16. No, I simply pointed out the tactic.

And some took exception to it.

And you could have responded in my post, but decided to start your own thread. Ironic.

[MineralMan]

17. I will start threads in the Religion Group as I choose.

I'm sure you will do the same. Others will decide how they feel about them.

[Major Nikon]

18. Actually the childish nature of it is kind of funny and worthy of underscoring

It reads more like someone who is desparately trying to think of something insulting to say about someone else while doing a much better job belittling themselves with that sort of nonsense. I sincerely hope you add this one to your repertoire. Maybe someday you'll have enough self-depreciating material to take your show on the road.

[guillaumeb]

19. What a deeply ironic post.

[Major Nikon]

21. What a broken record response

[trotsky]

22. "you could have responded in my post, but decided to start your own thread."

Holy fucking shit, g. How can you post that with a straight face? You do exactly that ALL THE TIME.

[MineralMan]

23. Trying to muffle my peals of laughter...

Not succeeding.

[trotsky]

24. As he is wont to do, guillaumeb has given us a gift by which we can further expose him.

I've saved that post - a link AND a screenshot in case he decides to delete - and will definitely use it the next time he starts a new thread instead of replying within an existing one.

It's nice that he does such a great job discrediting himself that we really don't need to do anything more.

[MineralMan]

25. Well, I don't like to take advantage of people who are forgetful about things.

It can be a symptom of several medical disorders. My mother, in fact, has an advanced case of Alzheimer's and can't remember anything much for more than a minute or two. She constantly forgets what she has just said.

I've learned that gently repeating things again and again works best to help her find her bearings. So, perhaps that's the answer.

[trotsky]

26. Well in that case it might be just the thing he needs.

Perhaps his own words will be less threatening and more likely to register the next time he engages in the behavior he claims to detest!

[MineralMan]

27. Perhaps so. We can just keep reminding him of what he has said previously.

That might help.

[Lordquinton]

33. Reminder that G-man has a history of deleting his posts

specifically a link to something that was said would be requested, then shortly after said post would be deleted.

[trotsky]

11. Unlike you, I stand by everything I've written.

And as I've told you time and time again, I am PERFECTLY happy letting the readers of this forum draw their own conclusions. Your threats are hollow, and only serve to further reveal what kind of Christian you really are.

[Iggo]

28. You label me? I'll label you!

[Iggo]

29. By the way, according to the triangle thingy, I'm a Contradictor.

[MineralMan]

30. Aren't we all?

[NeoGreen]

32. No, you're not. (nt)

[Voltaire2]

34. That's not an argument.

[NeoGreen]

35. Yes it is.

[Voltaire2]

37. No it isn't. It's just a contradiction.

[NeoGreen]

38. {DING} Thank-you...

...that's it.