I hope I’m wrong in this:
By convention we say an electric field points from positive to negative. By convention we use + and -. The convention helps us to imagine the invisible. We have other conventions, all arbitrary in imagery even when they are based on definitive and demonstrable science. For electric fields, we could decide to use arrows, colors, or even textures. Convention is what allows us to assume shared meaning in both physical and social realms.
Social conventions are both parochial and temporary; they are meaningless to outsiders and unknown to future generations after the passing of a culture. Cranial deformation caused by binding infants’ heads, for example, isn’t popular today (except possibly in Vanuatu), but it was a practice in ancient and medieval times. Bowing is preferable to handshaking in Japan. Rites of passage vary, also.
Steeped in our own conventions like some teabag in a tepid cup of water, we fail to recognize how we conform and how our conformity fashions our perspectives. Even those who rebel against old conventions in boiling turmoil eventually end up in a tepid social tea.
By convention, you share certain metaphors with the likeminded. In shared metaphors, you find meaning. Your images of the world are largely a matter of convention.
Am I wrong? Just asking.
By convention we say an electric field points from positive to negative. By convention we use + and -. The convention helps us to imagine the invisible. We have other conventions, all arbitrary in imagery even when they are based on definitive and demonstrable science. For electric fields, we could decide to use arrows, colors, or even textures. Convention is what allows us to assume shared meaning in both physical and social realms.
Social conventions are both parochial and temporary; they are meaningless to outsiders and unknown to future generations after the passing of a culture. Cranial deformation caused by binding infants’ heads, for example, isn’t popular today (except possibly in Vanuatu), but it was a practice in ancient and medieval times. Bowing is preferable to handshaking in Japan. Rites of passage vary, also.
Steeped in our own conventions like some teabag in a tepid cup of water, we fail to recognize how we conform and how our conformity fashions our perspectives. Even those who rebel against old conventions in boiling turmoil eventually end up in a tepid social tea.
By convention, you share certain metaphors with the likeminded. In shared metaphors, you find meaning. Your images of the world are largely a matter of convention.
Am I wrong? Just asking.
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