Many arguments are not really disagreements. Two people use the same word to mean different things, and talk past each other. One of the practical ideas in the episode is that paying close attention to language is among the best tools we have for reducing misunderstanding.
Philosophers have long made this a habit: before arguing about whether something is true, they ask what exactly is being claimed. Try it with the words below.
One word, two meanings
Each word is often used in at least two quite different ways.
- Freedom
One meaning
Nobody stops you from doing what you want.
Another meaning
You actually have the means to do what you want.
- Development
One meaning
The economy grows and incomes rise.
Another meaning
People's lives get longer, healthier and more secure.
- Smart (of a device)
One meaning
It can do many things for you.
Another meaning
It understands what you need.
- Tradition
One meaning
Something old that should be kept.
Another meaning
Something passed on that each generation reshapes.
Next time an argument heats up, try asking: 'When you say that word, what do you mean by it?' It often turns out you agree more than you thought, or disagree about something different.
Try it
- Pick a debate you have seen online recently. Which word in it was doing the most work, and was it used the same way by both sides?
- Translate a key idea from the episode into another language you know. Does it mean exactly the same thing?