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Are definitions for behavior completely subjective?


DaVinci

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For example, if you describe someone as being "cynical" or "passive" then you are attempting to describe the behavior of someone else, but how do you know? Maybe a person described as passive is a little sleepy. Maybe a person described as cynical is just uninterested. 

 

Obviously you can ask, "Are you being cynical?", but then you are relying on that person to self report.

 

If they are self reporting how can you gauge the accuracy of that? 

 

Are descriptions of behavior only for self reporting? Can you describe the behavior of someone else and ever be 100% correct in your description? 

 

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated! 

 

 

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things like "cynical" or "passive" are conclusions. Im not sure if you can ever prove your conclusions correct, even if the other person confirms them. I think this is why RTR focuses on facts and actions. What were their specific actions, and how did you feel.

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things like "cynical" or "passive" are conclusions. Im not sure if you can ever prove your conclusions correct, even if the other person confirms them. I think this is why RTR focuses on facts and actions. What were their specific actions, and how did you feel.

 

What about something more basic or general, like describing someone as "happy"? If someone is smiling and laughing at a comedy t.v. show or something, wouldn't it be reasonable to say "they are happy"? Even if it is a conclusion, isn't it also sense data? Isn't it sense data that I can line up with my own knowledge of how those particular behaviors are expressed?  

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