On What is Natural 07/11/2016 The words “natural,” and “unnatural,” have become commonplace in conversation, entertainment, and even academics but it is my distinct impression that no one has any idea what the word “natural” means. Nor do I think there is a consistent use from which an acceptable definition can be constructed. I will attempt to show that a definition of the word natural made to encompass certain things and exclude some others (as “unnatural”) is ridiculous if we draw on the traditional understanding of
The words “natural,” and “unnatural,” have become commonplace in conversation, entertainment, and even academics but it is my distinct impression that no one has any idea what the word “natural” means. Nor do I think there is a consistent use from which an acceptable definition can be constructed. I will attempt to show that a definition of the word natural made to encompass certain things and exclude some others (as “unnatural”) is ridiculous if we draw on the traditional understanding of
