Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Lapierre  You're close. I wasn't academically precise, but I don't see any lack of reason or logic. I said this:
And then I went on to give a definition. What I didn't make clear was that I was presenting a definition which aims to clear up the confusion which started this thread. My statement may have been less than academically precise, for sure. (luckily this isn't an academic paper. My professors would be very disappointed in me)
And before that I said this:
What I meant by both those quoted statements was that the meaning of those words, belief and faith, as per the dictionary, are not as clear as they could be. And that's ok, language is not always clear, so of course the dictionary can't be if it intends to reflect our use of language.
It's based on all the psychological literature I've read on childhood development, in particular the development of personality and temperament. I can give you references if you'd like, just PM me as this is getting off topic.
Ahh but you misunderstand me. I have absolutely no doubt that you have complete faith in yourself.
I may have, it's happened before. And as you can see above, I can also miss the mark when aiming for clarity 
Could you elaborate? I ask because, unless Uplift is right, we're not born with specific beliefs, they're learned. Do you agree with him, or does your statement mean you believe that one's belief structure should be considered and weighed against one's own values and principles, and adopted because one chooses to do so, not because society says so? (the latter is my belief)
Fo' shizzle.
By 'all' I take it you don't really mean 'all', considering that many are atheists. (be careful, Uplift might throw the dictionary at you) |
Academic precision as you put it, or the correct use and understanding of words is necessary to avoid confusion, and is the common base to promote, develop and explain a rational, logical idea. It is a requirement of fields like science, which you espouse here, and offer knowledge of... even strongly advising others to improve their understanding of it.
When using a word wrongly, it is probably better if the rest of the presentation is at least clear.
I can only speak for myself, but I have no confusion as to the correct definition of, and thus use of the word 'faith'.
I don't know about your professors being disappointed, but your original argument and subsequent ramble about belief, faith, intentions, reflections, language, clarity and dictionaries would definitely be dismissed by them, as it is based on an initial misunderstanding and incorrect use of the word faith... yet at the same time offers judgement and directions to others.
Again it couldn't be less confusing, or simpler:
The Macquarie dictionary says;
'1. Faith is confidence or trust in a person or thing.'
Your confusion becomes even more obvious with the following statement:
"I ask because, unless Uplift is right, we're not born with specific beliefs, they're learned."
Firstly, where did I say that? Where did I mention being born with belief? Or specific belief. It gets worse... this is an academic disaster! How you read that into my words really interests me, as it is a classic demonstration of filtered, coloured observation and thinking. I actually said myself and some people are born with inherent faith in themselves. Self assurance, based on the given, actual meaning of the word 'faith'. So they don't rely on external reassurance. It is neither better or worse, but others born with different traits would find that difficult to understand. People with different traits failing to grasp that others are capable of naturally behaving differently, is a basic observation of behavioural science and counselling. I completed studies in behavioral science, and the premise I learned was that personality is inherent at birth. That we are born with identifiable, labelled personality types.
Yes I did introduce the dictionary, and I do strongly suggest you read it, especially before throwing the academic field of science around. I'd rather see your professors happy, and your arguments at least start on the right foot, with a decent foundation to build on, so that they don't quickly collapse under proper scrutiny.
So, again, for me, faith comes first. Simple.