I feel like this post is missing an important piece.
When people say “chemicals” or “technology” they are very often not talking about the term in question, but communicating an emotional fact about themselves. “I am disgusted by foods that feel artificially produced”, “I want you not to be distracted by devices during dinner”. Coming up with better and more precise terms won’t help at all, since the thing is being communicated has little to do with the referent of the imprecise term.
You can notice this when the conversation switches from personal experience to a more general and technical discussion. If someone proposes a “ban on technology use in school”, everyone will be quick to focus on what is actually in the category.
I feel like this post is missing an important piece.
When people say “chemicals” or “technology” they are very often not talking about the term in question, but communicating an emotional fact about themselves. “I am disgusted by foods that feel artificially produced”, “I want you not to be distracted by devices during dinner”. Coming up with better and more precise terms won’t help at all, since the thing is being communicated has little to do with the referent of the imprecise term.
You can notice this when the conversation switches from personal experience to a more general and technical discussion. If someone proposes a “ban on technology use in school”, everyone will be quick to focus on what is actually in the category.