Trent Pehrson wrote:
[snip]
>curiosity. Please respond to the following, brief survey:
>
>
OK
>1) Do you consider yourself a linguist?
>
>
Yes, tho not professionally so.
>2) Given only the following labels, which best describes linguistics
>as a discipline for you? (a) a scientific discipline (b) a philosophical
>discipline.
>
>
(a)
>3) Given only the following definitions, which comes closest to
>describing the purpose of linguistics for you? (a) learning to speak many
>languages. (b) learning the structures of languages. (c) learning how
>language works in the human mind. (d) defining and cataloging languages.
>(e) defining language at large. (e) the humanistic study of language and
>literature.
>
>
(b) definitely - probably (e), tho I am not sure what 'defining language
at large' means exactly, and (c) to some extent. I would like to have
included (a), but alas cannot :=(
>4) Do you consider yourself a scientist?
>
>
I guess so in that I have a master's degree in science & earned my
living for the last 14 years of my working life as a computer scientist
- but I really consider myself a polymath.
>5) Given only the following definitions, which comes closest to
>describing the purpose of science for you? (a) the search for truth. (b)
>use of the scientific method to create theories by proving or disproving
>hypotheses (c) the process of discovering natural laws.
>
>
(b) - I consider (a) the purpose of all enlightened human endeavor.
>6) Do you consider yourself a philosopher?
>
>
No - I am a polymath.
>7) Given only the following definitions, which comes closest to
>describing the purpose of philosophy for you? (a) the search for truth.
>(b) the pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral self-discipline.
>(c) the study of the nature of reality based on logical reasoning rather
>than empirical methods. (d) a critical analysis of fundamental assumptions
>or beliefs. (e) a discipline comprising logic, ethics, aesthetics,
>metaphysics, and epistemology.
>
>
Having taken Plato as a special subject during my 1st degree (1958-1961)
and having dipped into and out of several western philosophers from
ancient Greece to the 20th cent, I find example of all (a) to (e) as
well as exceptions to them all :)
Possibly why I am not a philosopher :-)
>Thanks.
>
>
You're welcome
--
Ray
==================================
ray@carolandray.plus.com
http://wwww.carolandray.plus.com
==================================
MAKE POVERTY HISTORY