Philosophy For Our Times How Words Warp Reality | Nick Enfield
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Dec 4, 2025 
Nick Enfield, Professor of Linguistics and author of Language vs. Reality, delves into how language molds our perceptions of reality. He explains the distinction between social and brute realities, highlighting how words can blur definitions and shift blame. Enfield discusses framing effects in media and everyday interactions, revealing how subtle language choices can influence decisions. He emphasizes the power of mindful language, particularly in legal contexts, demonstrating its profound impact on memory and perception.
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Language Constitutes Social Reality
- Language creates social reality by constituting rules, rights, and duties through agreements.
- Nick Enfield argues many social facts exist only because we use language to establish them.
Arguments Often Are Just Word Disputes
- Disagreements often stem from vague or differing word definitions rather than facts.
- Enfield uses William James's squirrel example to show wording decides whether a statement is true.
Framing Shapes Moral Response
- The same underlying reality can be framed to elicit praise or condemnation.
- Enfield cites Russell's humorous conjugations to show framing changes social response.
