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So to return to the beginning of this entire definition thing you would agree that a baby is not a parasitical organism, right?

DAMN YOU NEPH!

So to return to the beginning of this entire definition thing you would agree that a baby is not a parasitical organism, right?

Actually, it was just an overarching statement for everyone. I made a mistake posting a definition in the first place, so I figured I'd let everyone know that definitions will convince no one since it's always possible to twist a definition to mean what you want it to mean, which is a direct result of the fluidity of language.

Eh...Clpo was referring to you Nephilem, not to LTR.

Thank you Clpo. The rest of this post is not directed towards you.

GAH! I was trying to make a point! It is not that I didn't understand what you were saying Neph. You didn't understand my point. I will now stop trying to explain my point because clearly I fail at life.

LTR, clpo13’s post should answer you question for you. I have tried to answer your question about the definitions, but since that did not work read clpo’s post.


Clop 13’s point about language change is why I said that it was important to figure out what usage of the word you are using.

To bring the argument back to abortion, a baby is not a parasitical organism. It is a human child.

The definition of a word depends on its usage. Language is not a concrete thing. It changes with time. As society begins to use words differently, dictionaries are altered to reflect this change.

This results in different definitions for words. The word parasite was originally meant to mean people who took from society without giving back. This use of the word dates back to at least the 1500s. However, once organisms were discovered that had roughly the same behavior (attached to another organism and leeched nutrients with no positive effects), the term was applied to those organisms as well. This started in the 1700s. As time went on, the original meaning of the word parasite took on a more metaphorical meaning in relation to humans, while the literal meaning referred to other biological organisms.

So, if you really want to get down and dirty, the original definition (the one in reference to humans) is the "right" one. But in language, there really is no "right" and "wrong." A word means what you want it to mean. All the dictionaries in the world can't change that, especially because of the fact that the more people who use a word "wrongly," the quicker it becomes the "right" way to use it. Get my meaning?

It's not your fault, LTR. Trust me.

I keep thinking I can maybe explain it better. I fail.

*puts a band aid on LTR's forehead*

You should have figured that out earlier, LTR.

*bangs head on wall*

You don't get it!

*bangs head on wall*
*bangs head on wall*
*bangs head on wall*

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But the definition differs from dictionary to dictionary. Maybe only slightly but there is still a variation. That is my point.

But they should still mean the same thing. If they don’t mean the same thing then something is wrong.

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A dictionary is not the authors opinion of that the words mean, but there actual definition.

But the definition differs from dictionary to dictionary. Maybe only slightly but there is still a variation. That is my point.

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So the majority is always right?

Like when most people thought slavery was okay?

There you go again, making odd comparisons. When you are talking about peoples feeling, you are talking about what the word means. What is meant when something is said? A dictionary is not the authors opinion of that the words mean, but there actual definition.

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And lets say that the definitions that we have given do contradict each other, and then you should go were the majority is.

So the majority is always right?

Like when most people thought slavery was okay?

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I think you're fueling his fire a bit too much, LTR...

To be honest I have nothing better to do with my time.

I think you're fueling his fire a bit too much, LTR... But it's amusing if nothing else.

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But that is not always true.

Give me an example of where it is not true.

And lets say that the definitions that we have given do contradict each other, and then you should go were the majority is. For example if ten definitions say that the parasite and the host are always from a different species, and you have one that is neutral on how many species there are, you should come to the conclusion that the parasite and the host will not be from the same species.

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Obviously you two are too wrapped up in your defining world, you probably wouldn't be able to see a good definition if it hit you in the face.

It's possible, but mostly I just like arguing with Neph.

Obviously you two are too wrapped up in your defining world, you probably wouldn't be able to see a good definition if it hit you in the face.

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Well as I have already said, unless the definition is wrong, or referring to a different usage of the word, they should mean the same think.

But that is not always true.