Archive for January, 2009

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Friday, January 30th, 2009

Janus words

Words that can have virtually opposite meanings depending on context. As an example, the original/base meaning of to moot is to discuss or debate, as in moot court. Thus a moot point would be something to be discussed or debated, with arguments for and against, yet to be agreed. As a contranym, a moot point […]

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Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

Agnotology – culturally induced ignorance or doubt

“Agnotology, formerly agnatology, is a neologism for the study of culturally-induced ignorance or doubt, particularly the publication of inaccurate or misleading scientific data. The term was coined by Robert N. Proctor,[1][2] a Stanford University professor specializing in the history of science and technology.[3] Its name derives from the Greek word ἀγνῶσις, agnōsis, “not knowing”; and […]

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