Philosopher's Zone Summer season: What is swearing?
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Jan 1, 2025 Rebecca Roach, a senior lecturer in philosophy and author of "For Fuck's Sake," dives into the fascinating world of swearing. She explores how swearing's power transcends mere words and reflects cultural taboos. Discussing its evolution from religious blasphemy to modern expressions, she examines the role of context and intent in shaping perceptions. Roach also critiques censorship practices in media, arguing how bleeping can amplify the impact of swear words. Additionally, she distinguishes swear words from slurs, highlighting their varying societal implications.
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Grandmother's Paradox
- David Rutledge recounts his grandmother's surprisingly open-minded view on swearing.
- She questioned the taboo nature of certain words while remaining personally averse to using them.
Religious Roots of Swearing
- Swearing's offensive power might have religious roots, stemming from the taboo of blasphemy.
- As religious taboos faded, blasphemous and scatological/sexual language replaced them.
The Power of Shared Disagreement
- While swear words often relate to taboo subjects, their offensiveness comes from shared social agreement.
- Swearing in polite contexts signals disrespect, as the speaker knowingly violates social norms.
