Philosophical Exercises

Introducing new words into our vocabulary allows us to describe certain patterns of behaviour more effectively, but also to notice these patterns in the first place. Think, for example, of the effectiveness of the neologisms “mansplaining” or “sonder”. Words are so powerful that it is worthwhile to not limit ourselves to what is already in the dictionary. Instead we should dare to coin new terms that might change the discussions we can have. I propose that adopting “pangloss” as a verb can help us call out the attitude of those who uncritically assume that a thing must have a good reason for being the way that it is if the “competent authorities” have designed this thing. Costume design for a theatrical performance of Candide. It is a costume for Pangloss and a designer's note points to the hat and says "Change Hat (smaller)", another note below says "O.K". [see The Federal Theatre Project (FTP)] In his own words, Matt Colville is someone who seeks to “cha...