Quote:
Originally posted by Mr Mephisto
These two words have different meanings.
In other words, you can't have a decision that is determined by "chance, whim or impulse" that at the same time is "absolutely essential."
That would be a contradiction. No such word exists.
By definition, something can't be arbitrary but necessary. It is either one or the other.
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I vehemntly disagree.
Yes, these two words are different but I don't think they are contradictory and especially not when used in this context. Did you read my example? It was a good one and it's right up there, so I won't bother repeating it. Instead, I guess I'll try to come up with another...
You're walking along a path and you encounter a fork in the road. Which ramification do you go down? Since you have no idea where they lead, it's arbitrary which one you take. One isn't any better than the other. However, you must pick one! You can't go back, so the decision is necessary. "Arbitrary but necessary," get it?
I don't think these two words are any more contradictory than ignorant and intelligent...