there but not there

the importance of definition

part of a debate in church yesterday was about 'absolute truth in language' being undefinable.
it came about by saying that a question which was raised in class- 'what is your meaning in life' is undefinable, because the definition of the word 'meaning' or 'life' is undefinable.

According to one argument, it is undefinable because there can be so many different views of what 'meaning' means, or what 'life' means that if u were to be absolutely critical then the question on a whole can have many meanings as well and is therefore undefinable.

I, however find a flaw in that reasoning. by saying that something is undefinable, you have already taken for granted the fact that you have defined the definition of 'undefinable'. you are defining the word 'undefinable' as something that is not capable of being accurately described. u can define the word undefinable because of the structure of language and reasoning that has been taught to you since young.

By defining the fact that everything is undefinable(or nothing is definable,its the same thing), one is contradicting himself and therefore the argument cannot stand. By even taking that view point, shows the outright necessity to accept the fact that admists all the uncertainty, there is a need to define what is perceived. Even in the ironical quest to prove that nothing can be defined, one must define the definition of the question. the process of definition must take place.

in summary, the stand that nothing is absolutely definable is flawed. the stand 'nothing is definable' is in itself a definition. thus, for logical thinking, deduction, and operation of daily life, it is necessary to define life according to ones own judgement and discernment.

posted by gneh-snah @ 9:24 PM