While I think it’s quite obvious, I accept the fact that it is only because I’m the one creating it. However, the English language as wonderful as it may be to many people, experiences a remarkable evolutionary process that happens on an almost daily basis, especially in the area of technology. We see new words appear, old words disappear, even actually becoming obsolete.
The term ‘disputations’ is a relatively new word, created to effectively combine the meaning of the words ‘conversation’ and ‘debate’ into an entirely new concept. The actual (Dictionary) definition of disputation identifies it as a ‘noun’ and describes it as being…
1. the act of disputing or debating; verbal controversy; discussion or debate.
2. an academic exercise consisting of the arguing of a thesis between its maintainer and its opponents.
And then finally most dictionaries are providing the previous or now obsolete term or word:
3. Obsolete. Conversation.
Personally the categorization of ‘obsolete’ regarding the term or word ‘conversation’ clearly disrupts the ‘art of communication’ in verbal form. When the actual dictionary applied definition of ‘conversation’ is reviewed…
1. informal interchange of thoughts, information, etc., by spoken words; oral communication between persons; talk; colloquy.
2. an instance of this.
3. association or social intercourse; intimate acquaintance.
4. criminal conversation.
5. the ability to talk socially with others: She writes well but has no conversation.
And as with the term ‘disputation’ the term ‘conversation’ also replaced and caused to become obsolete the essence of the act of conversing, the art of conversation so to speak.
As seen here…
6. Obsolete
a. behavior or manner of living
b. close familiarity; intimate acquaintance; as from constant use or study
All of which indicates to me that the terminology described as ‘conversation’ was in reality a verbal exercise in the sharing of knowledge in an effort to ‘come together’ for the better understanding of something. Demonstrated by the definitive term ‘informal’, which is used in the actual definition of the term ‘conversation’ itself; whereas it is absent in the definition of ‘disputation’.
Personally this definition also indicates that there is at minimum an implied knowledge of the subject, whether it is through individual study or personal experience as in the constant use or everyday language.
All of which brings to mind some of the controversy that in my opinion surrounds the current concept of "Home Schooling." I am personally not in favor of this method of education for one primary reason. While I have met several Home Schooled individuals, they do seem to be pretty intelligent regarding what is commonly called 'book learning' yet all of them lack something else that is important in life and that is 'people skills'.
Another term that has made a quick rise in use is the word ‘Pundit’ which is a word we’ve heard most often applied to those in the media; a term more specifically targeted in the political arena than any other. The dictionary provides a very basic definition of it, and that being the following…
a. somebody who expresses opinion: a critic or authority on a subject, especially in the media
b. somebody wise: somebody with knowledge and wisdom
Again therein implies that the individual has at the very least an understanding of the subject in which they’re attempting to address. The reality of the matter is that this term actually comes from the borrowed Hindi word “pandit” which means “a scholar or expert in Indian religion and law.”
While I have titled this particular blog “Personal Disputations’ does not proclaim by any long shot that I would ever consider myself an expert in anything beyond how I personally feel about a given subject. While at the same time it does not state that I am actively or intentionally soliciting any form of debate over the subject in question. The fact of the matter is that I have made a sincere attempt at choosing what I personally feel to be the most accurate description. It is because I understand and accept the fact that because there is no subject considered taboo for this blog, therefore it is understood (at least on my part) that there will be individuals who feel the need to ‘debate’ not just the issue as stated, but also my personal opinion of it. All of which is fine with me.
Because as stated by the use of the word ‘personal’ in the definition, it also clearly dictates that it is opinionated in nature. Meaning that, according to the actual definition of the root word ‘opinion’ which means…
a. An opinion is a subjective statement or thought about an issue or topic, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts.
b. It is a personal view, attitude or appraisal.
c. A belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof.
An additional term that is not so new is the word ‘rant’ which is also quite relevant to one of the primary purposes or functions of this blog. While the definition of ‘rant’ implies hostility or some form of antagonistic proclamation, it is more so an act of ‘venting’ which is more commonly known as ‘letting off steam’ about something.
All of the above has been merely an attempt at providing some basic idea or concept as to what this blog itself is all about. However, continuing onward, the post entitled “The Right to Rant” is in actuality more of a descriptive explanation of me, the author of this blog and the purpose for which it was created.
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