Greg EganMay 23, 2023
“The core meaning of refute is ‘prove a statement or theory to be wrong.’ In the second half of the 20th century a more general sense developed, meaning simply ‘deny.’ Traditionalists object to this newer use as a degradation of the language, but it is widely encountered.”
Keep “refute”≈“disprove”
84.5%
Let the meaning blur
15.5%
Poll ended at .
Show threadJohn Carlos Baez
@gregeganSF - in mathematics, at least, we cling to the old meaning. You may argue against my claim but only when your argument is correct have you refuted me. Weakening this meaning is like weakening the word "win" to mean "try to win". Imagine this in football.
May 23, 2023 at 2:43pmWeb
Show threadΣ(i³) = (Σi)²May 23, 2023
@johncarlosbaez @gregeganSF I think specific fields using words in a more precise or carefully delineated way (i.e jargon) is not at odds with the "general" meaning of a word shifting. My physics training contains a well defined concept of "force" which is at odds with the expression "the forces of history"; but I understand what people mean with the latter and it wouldn't occur to me to tell historians how to use words when they're doing their job.