Re:Ancient kids’ toys have been hiding in the archaeological...
by ars on Sunday February 11, 2018 @02:12PM
(#16354208)
The problem is not the label "ritual", it's the way the word shuts down all further discussion.
Why? "Ritual." Done.
But that doesn't actually answer "why" it just gives it another word.
Another example in the same light: "How was the world created?" "God" vs "How was the world created?" "Big Bang".
In both cases you have answered nothing. You just used another word. "How was God created?" "Don't know", "How was the Big Bang created?" "Don't know".
Using a scientific sounding word does not actually answer the question, anymore than using the word "ritual" answers the question.
Instead the lack of knowledge should be made explicit, and not hidden behind a "comfort" word. (I.e. a word used to make you feel better about not knowing.)
Why? "Ritual." Done.
But that doesn't actually answer "why" it just gives it another word.
Another example in the same light: "How was the world created?" "God" vs "How was the world created?" "Big Bang".
In both cases you have answered nothing. You just used another word. "How was God created?" "Don't know", "How was the Big Bang created?" "Don't know".
Using a scientific sounding word does not actually answer the question, anymore than using the word "ritual" answers the question.
Instead the lack of knowledge should be made explicit, and not hidden behind a "comfort" word. (I.e. a word used to make you feel better about not knowing.)