Difference between revisions of "Liberal Bias in Popular Dictionaries"
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(another example: delay in recognizing new conservative terms) |
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* Conversly, the Oxford English Dictionary defines [[creationism]] as "the belief that the [[universe]] and living organisms originate from specific acts of divine [[creation]], as in the [[biblical]] account, '''rather than by natural processes such as evolution'''." When they define creationism, it is presented as a controversial theory with alternatives but when they define evolution there is no mention of creationism at all. The Merriam-Webster also defines [[creationism]] like this. | * Conversly, the Oxford English Dictionary defines [[creationism]] as "the belief that the [[universe]] and living organisms originate from specific acts of divine [[creation]], as in the [[biblical]] account, '''rather than by natural processes such as evolution'''." When they define creationism, it is presented as a controversial theory with alternatives but when they define evolution there is no mention of creationism at all. The Merriam-Webster also defines [[creationism]] like this. | ||
| − | * The OED definition for the word "[[liberal]]" is given as "willing to respect and accept behaviour or opinions different from one’s own." or "(in a political context) favouring individual [[liberty]], [[free trade]], and moderate reform." It never once mentions [[school prayer]] or [[abortion]]. | + | * The OED definition for the word "[[liberal]]" is given as "willing to respect and accept behaviour or opinions different from one’s own." or "(in a political context) favouring individual [[liberty]], [[free trade]], and moderate reform." It never once mentions [[gun control]], [[school prayer]], or [[abortion]]. |
| − | * The English language develops about 1000 new words a year, but dictionaries exhibit bias by delaying or refusing to incorporate conservative words or expressions like "term limits," "Rule of Law," and "strict constructionism." | + | * The English language develops about 1000 new words a year, but dictionaries exhibit bias by delaying or refusing to incorporate conservative words or expressions like "invisible hand", "term limits," "Rule of Law," and "strict constructionism." |
== See also == | == See also == | ||
Revision as of 05:16, September 19, 2009
Many world renowned dictionaries contain liberal or atheistic bias. In many popular dictionaries definitions of certain controversial terms contain liberal bias, mainly through excluding the fact that said term is disputed and only a theory.
- The Oxford English Dictionary defines evolution as "a process by which species develop from earlier appearance as an explanation of their origins", and does not point to alternate theories which are just as or more viable. The Merriam-Webster dictionary also excludes the fact that evolution is controversial.
- Conversly, the Oxford English Dictionary defines creationism as "the belief that the universe and living organisms originate from specific acts of divine creation, as in the biblical account, rather than by natural processes such as evolution." When they define creationism, it is presented as a controversial theory with alternatives but when they define evolution there is no mention of creationism at all. The Merriam-Webster also defines creationism like this.
- The OED definition for the word "liberal" is given as "willing to respect and accept behaviour or opinions different from one’s own." or "(in a political context) favouring individual liberty, free trade, and moderate reform." It never once mentions gun control, school prayer, or abortion.
- The English language develops about 1000 new words a year, but dictionaries exhibit bias by delaying or refusing to incorporate conservative words or expressions like "invisible hand", "term limits," "Rule of Law," and "strict constructionism."