 | Chapter IX
Of the Imperfection of Words An essay concerning human understanding |  |
3. Communication by words either for civil or philosophical purposes.
Secondly, As to communication by words, that too has a double use.
I. Civil.
II. Philosophical.
First, by their civil use, I mean such a communication of thoughts and ideas by words, as may serve for the upholding common conversation and commerce, about the ordinary affairs and conveniences of civil life, in the societies of men, one amongst another.
Secondly, By the philosophical use of words, I mean such a use of them as may serve to convey the precise notions of things, and to express in general propositions certain and undoubted truths, which the mind may rest upon and be satisfied with in its search after true knowledge. These two uses are very distinct; and a great deal less exactness will serve in the one than in the other, as we shall see in what follows.
| Chapter IX
Of the Imperfection of Words An essay concerning human understanding | |