If the meaning of the words I use differ from the meaning you give them, how can we agree on anything?

Question

I meant to refer to words in the same language. However If the words are in different language and there is translation of their meanings, the difficulties involved bec of cultural difference between the speakers, the problems or reaching an agreement are that much more difficult.

Answer 1

we can't. Not before we agree to the defintion of the terms were using to debate.

Answer 2

I don't think this is so difficult. Here is another perpective on this. You can define what you mean by A and I can define what I mean by A. Our focus is not necessary to agree on the same definition of A. Rather focus is to agree on any specific matter. So in technical terms, this is called base-lining the frame of reference under which multiple parties define their terminologies. After this is done, when you say A, I precisely know what you mean and when I say A you will know what I mean. This is very common in legal practices and also in IT industry that is full of jargon and different people may mean different things even if they use same terms. I'm sure it will ring the bell when you hear term "being on the same page". I hope now you and I are on same page.

But I agree, if focus is to agree on same meaning of A, that may not happen and that's big problem of standardization since it does hamper our creativity and freedom which we don't like.

Answer 3

WE must agree that certian words have certain meanings by creating a common language and frame of referance.A very difficult thing to do especially if from different cultures(See middle East) One way is to ask the meaning of words when in doubt common language has very different meanings to indivuals even in the US Like when I say thats Cool what do I mean?

Answer 4

I get aggravated in epistemologcal discussions when we end up throwing around words like: truth, belief, meaning, reality, veridical-- so that we can define another concept. Sufficient fixity doesn't help so much outside the case of A = A. I don't know how we continue to speak except through the Borg-language of the best positive theories known to date. Which gets circuitous and tiresome quick. That's partly why friends can be a curse.

Answer 5

You wouldn't have learned a language to begin with if you did not understand the common definitions of most of the words that you have been taught to speak.

So unless you and I are using different languages, we will necessarily agree on the meanings of most of the words we are using. We may never be able to use those words to reach any intelligent conclusions, but that's another bog le shum.

Answer 6

When using your words (with your definition that may vary from others) be more elaborate on the context.. in otherwords; word it in such a way that it explains itself and can not be misinterpretted for any other meaning..
I guess..

Answer 7

Through hand motions. Up for a game of charades?
Wait, how do I know that you think those words mean what I think they mean?
*indicates self*
*indicates question*
WAIT!!!
This is impossible to type.
I'm sorry.
I fail at communicating with you.

Answer 8

You are speaking of the Bible I presume but use first person just to lead us blind, but I fully agree with you that it is hardly possible to agree on anything. But then, I am agreeing with you, so that thesis would not then be valid.

Answer 9

Maybe we'll actually disagree but think that we agree. Then we can all be happy because we found a friend who thinks like us, even if we don't.

Answer 10

By communicating to each other how we define the words.