All claims to truly "know" what people "feel" or "think" are unfounded, it's the concept of "privy knowledge". One can never really know, only make an educated guess...and be right, wrong or somewhere in between. Again, all life is context.

Andrew

 

This is precisely why I included the qualifier "most likely" in my post. Would you deliberately try to smash the thumb of a loved one with a hammer, and take recourse in the claim that you can never truly know that he or she wouldn't enjoy the experience? You can (arguably, "should") approach the use of language (a "tool" according to you) in the same way you'd use any other tool: know how to use it properly, exercise appropriate caution, and be careful when others are present.

 

I understand what you are saying, and you are very good at getting your point across, but Philosophy is my game, so I see it more deeply. Your analogy went nowhere and is out of context so I'll leave it. The words "should", "properly", and "careful" are all subjective...not objective. All life is context.

Andrew

 

And what of the listener who knows what your most likely meaning is and yet proceeds to misinterpret and become offended anyway? Is there not a responsibility on his end for creating conflict where there need be none?

What it all comes down to is communication is a two way street. I will gladly risk an accidental misinterpretation in the name of striving for honest communication. And if someone takes offense at my honesty, then I will deal with the consequences of my lack of sensitivity, as I suppose you could put it, if and when those consequences arise. To act otherwise is to live from a place of fear... and I haven't had much success in life being ruled by my fear.

Related question: Is it possible to live life without ever offending anyone?

 

okay....let's talk about what is it with kidnapping and terrorist attacks

 

Absolutely. Some people go out of their way to be offended. Ignore them.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2Kguy
[B]I understand what you are saying, and you are very good at getting your point across, but Philosophy is my game, so I see it more deeply.

 

I almost forgot: thanks for the complement.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by magician
[B]

I followed you right up to the ". . .so I see it more deeply" part.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2Kguy
[B]I would NEVER condescend to you, in fact, it's all but impossible.