Topic: Semantics

2 chapters across the catalog

97: Flowers for Fuller
• 1:24:10 - 1:32:36

97: Flowers for Fuller

BBC Lessons on the Utility of Vague Language

A series of BBC educational clips explains how to use "vague language" such as "more or less," "about," and the suffix "-ish." While the BBC presents these as useful tools for spoken English, the hosts argue that vagueness is primarily used to lie, obfuscate the truth, or exploit the ignorance of others. They compare this linguistic strategy to how politicians speak to the public as if they were children.

96: Out of Luck
• 2:28:42 - 2:34:39

96: Out of Luck

Neely Fuller Jr, Affirmative Action, Word Definitions

Neely Fuller Jr. argues that the term "affirmative action" was doomed from the start because it lacks a concrete definition, allowing it to be co-opted by various groups. He emphasizes that without measurable definitions for terms like "racial integration," non-white people cannot effectively fight for justice.