Language

By Greg -
John Ralston Saul uses language deliberately, and many common words are given such weight that we're forced to rethink their definitions. Does the meaning of the word, "free", for example, shift when we talk about "free" trade vs. "free" speech? Our claim to language as citizens is essential to the health of civilization, and its constant exercise is essential to democracy. Perhaps in January, at our next meeting of the PCA, we can take up a few of the following words (in no particular order) which Saul uses very precisely, and whose meanings, I think, stretch our mental muscles:

Management; Morality; Imagination; Intuition; Leadership; Reason; Humanism; Ideology; Legitimacy; Democracy; Knowledge; Common Sense; Ethics; Facts; Language; Science; Culture; Methods; Civilization; Citizen; Courtier; Lobbyist; Memory; Expertise; Government; God; Power; Pundit; Groups; Elite; Globalization; Specialization; Contractual Obligations; Disinterest; The Social "Sciences"; The Common Good; Self-Interest; Uncertainty; Scholasticism; Corporatism; Fascism; Public; Private; Neo-Conservative; Neo-Liberal; Neo-Fascist; Inevitabilities; Choice.

Comments

Wanda Frederick said…
Not "huh" but "whoa"! I wish I had the mental energy and intellectual discipline to respond in a way that would be appropriate to your thoughtful piece.
January 16, 2007 at 5:59:00 PM PST
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