Question Do philosophers change language or does language change how philosophers think? I wonder about this when considering how attitudes change to certain things such as treatment of criminals or aspects of Human Rights. For example "Police Force" tends to be "Police Service"- sounds a bit nicer- and "Industrial Action" sounds nicer and more professional than "Strike Action". In human relations the word "Gay" has been introduced to describe homosexuals and lesbians. That seems to give a better impression although why that should be necessary given that most people accept that heterosexual does not need any other description is a mystery. The supreme example of word change is "Termination with extreme prejudice" for "Assasination"!! followed by "Rendition" for "Kidnapping". I have just read _I am, therefore I think_ and noticed that most references to people were female. An exception was in the chapter on the Environment page 104, where the example refers to a female police officer and the criminal is male!! Does that say it all in this day and age!! Sorry this has gone on a bit long. I am new to Philosophy and find the subject fascinating. Brian K.

Accepted:
December 10, 2007

Comments

It is indeed interesting how we often choose euphemisms when we want to view something in a more positive light, and vice versa. Language certainly plays a significant role in how we think of things, and we ourselves have the power to shape language to a degree by refusing to use certain expressions which we find inaccurate and replacing them with other expressions which are more neutral or even more value-laden. In the United States I suppose the most obvious example is whether one calls someone a terrorist, a militant or a freedom fighter. The news tends to use the middle term, but those more directly involved in a struggle often select one of the other expressions. It would be rather too strong to say that the language here shapes us since we should be aware of how it is being used and what choices we have. An awareness of the power of language is important for philosophers, and all citizens, since an unthinking acquiescence in a certain use of it is highly damaging to us morally and intellectually.