On Titles

Philosophy Forums Philosophy
1

Titles that designate position within a hierarchy (i.e. social titles, or titles that are based on social consensus) are more straightforward than those that are based in creativity.

Mr., Miss., Mrs etc. are reflections of social populations and their respective customs and perceptions.

Two men may possess the title of King, and this will immediately bring us to recognizing their positions within a social hierarchy, however, it will tell us very little of the quality of either king. Moreover, the title ‘King’ can be designated to a man who plays absolutely no role of which we would expect of a king and yet remain king, thus, the general function and/or potentials of a king is independent of the title ‘King’. This may apply to all other social titles, and following from this, we can say that social titles are superficial.

I am interested in titles that are beyond social consensus. When somebody lays claim to a title, such as an artist or a philosopher, what standards should be met for one title or the other to be held? What is the minimum criteria of being an ‘artist’ or a ‘philosopher’?

2

Names are mostly meant to be descriptive.
But for humanz, their names these days are what ever their parents had planned.

3

Are you saying something like, being an artist, for example, is just descriptive of a person who tends to produce certain works irregardless of the substance?

I am aware that words such as ‘artist’ can also be superficial, in that they do not reveal substance, but, whenever somebody says ‘I am an artist’ there is pretense, there is a certain weight given… This is supported by the fact that there are many who produce works from time to time (say, sketches or whatever) and would reject being associated with the ‘description’, just as there are many who happily jump toward the association who have equal, if not less ability, to the former type.

4

Meanings are given to words.
Words are used so often that they get mixed around with life’s meanings.

5

There’s pretense to say, “I created?” That’s the simple claim. The pretense is in the sale of the creation.