Question 1

The term thin is used to describe a word that has a generally accepted meaning, but does not go into great detail. Thick is a term used to describe a word that goes into great deal explaining something. For example, think of a boy giving up half of his lunch to a friend who forgot his. If one were to describe this using thin language, he/she would say that the boy did a "good" thing. The message that is being conveyed is clear, but vague. To reword this statement using thick language, one would say the boy did a "kind" thing. The word "kind" is much more descriptive and gives a better picture of what is trying to be said. It shows that the boy did something to help someone else without any obligation to do so. Thin concepts are very universal and widely accepted whereas thick concepts are more society-based. Most disagreements arise from thick concepts due to either conflicting views or an inability to understand one's views.