Hi Kieran,
Mirriam Webster works for me:
bigot
Main Entry:
big·ot
Pronunciation:
\?bi-g?t\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
French, hypocrite, bigot
Date:
1660
: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance
— big·ot·ed \-g?-t?d\ adjective
— big·ot·ed·ly adverb
The 1st definition hits it spot on. A great problem we have today is a lack of discrimination. We need more, not less, of the sort that allows someone to distinguish between sorts of things. And reason needs to be formed rightly and not allowed to become overgrown with weeds and the like.
Again, MW to the rescue:
discriminate
One entry found.
discriminate
Main Entry:
dis·crim·i·nate
Pronunciation:
\dis-?kri-m?-?n?t\
Function:
verb
Inflected Form(s):
-nat·ed; -nat·ing
Etymology:
Latin discriminatus, past participle of discriminare, from discrimin-, discrimen distinction, from discernere to distinguish between — more at discern
Date:
1628
transitive verb1 a: to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of b: distinguish, differentiate 2: to distinguish by discerning or exposing differences; especially : to distinguish from another like objectintransitive verb1 a: to make a distinction b: to use good judgment2: to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit
Again, the ability to differentiate. Good old Aristotle's "Quiditas."
Great question. I'm afraid to look what folks have said though. Guess I will after I click.
All the Best,
hap
p.s. I can sense your dissapointment and frustration. This isn't the pool in which to search for honest discourse. It does exist however, and I am ever cheered when I see and read it. It's just a tad on the rare side.
BTW, I hear Aristotle and St. Thomas are making a comeback. Good for those whomever they maybe who assist in that endeavor. And Kieran, we share an important thing or two in common.
