Humans: The Animal Lost in Words
Department
Computer Science
Major
Computer Science
Research Advisor
Johnson, Lindgren H.
Advisor's Department
English and Technical Communication
Abstract
Humans rely heavily on language as a means of explaining and understanding the world around them as well as a means of conveying ideas. In trying to convey an idea, a problem arises when humans focus so much on finding the right words to accurately convey their thoughts that they distort the original idea itself. Another problem arises when humans, in the attempt to interpret an idea, focus too much on the specific words used, as they lose sight of the meaning behind them. These problems and their consequences can be seen in the words that humans use when talking about living creatures (including themselves) – and more specifically in the words that humans use to categorize these creatures. Some humans use words to try to hide from the fact that they are also animals, and some humans use words to desensitize or justify their treatment of other creatures.
Biography
Kevin is a junior studying Computer Science as well as pursuing a minor in Psychology. He plans to go into the field of Artificial Intelligence. He is the Pledge Educator for Delta Lambda Phi and is also a member of the DaVinci Society. He is the son of Sharon and George Kranz and is from Saint Louis, Missouri.
Research Category
Arts and Humanities
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Turner Room
Presentation Date
10 Apr 2012, 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Humans: The Animal Lost in Words
Turner Room
Humans rely heavily on language as a means of explaining and understanding the world around them as well as a means of conveying ideas. In trying to convey an idea, a problem arises when humans focus so much on finding the right words to accurately convey their thoughts that they distort the original idea itself. Another problem arises when humans, in the attempt to interpret an idea, focus too much on the specific words used, as they lose sight of the meaning behind them. These problems and their consequences can be seen in the words that humans use when talking about living creatures (including themselves) – and more specifically in the words that humans use to categorize these creatures. Some humans use words to try to hide from the fact that they are also animals, and some humans use words to desensitize or justify their treatment of other creatures.
