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Originally posted by KnifeMissle
[B]I vehemntly disagree.
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Erm... how can you say they're not contradictory?
I'm not trying to be smart or cheeky, but read their definition in a dictionary. They ARE different.
One means "not by necessity, reason, or principle" and the other means "Absolutely essential."
I honestly think you're confusing the issue here.
As I said, something can
appear arbitrary, but is in fact necessary. No problems there. But it can't be both at the same time!
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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...
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The side of the road you choose to drive on is not arbitrary. That would imply you make up your mind,each and every time, on a whim with no aforethought or reasoning; whilst in fact, you drive on a particular side because it is
necessary. Necessary to avoid breaking the law and necessary to ensure your safety.
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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?
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So based on what you say above, you suggest that the decision is not necessary, but the
making of the decision is necessary. Is that it?
It's a fact that both words are mutually exclusive
when referring to the nature of a decision. However, if you are refering to the
act of making the decision, then arbitrary does not really apply at all. We are talking about the conditions relating to the decision, not the basis or value of the decision itself.
In such a case, you could then use "snap decision" or something similiar I guess.
Still not really sure where you're going with this.
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I don't think these two words are any more contradictory than ignorant and intelligent...
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I don't really know how to respond to that. Ignorant and intelligent, whilst not
exactly of opposite meanings, are antonyms and generally mutually exclusive; at least by implication.
Mr Mephisto