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Kolndom Posted 21 years ago
Vocabulary
upset >< reassure
Here is a sentence: The function of science is to reassure; the purpose of art is to upset. Therein lies the value of each.
Does the word upset here mean unsettle and isarange?
Does the word upset here have the opposite meaning of reassure?
thank u in advance
Does the word upset here mean unsettle and isarange?
Does the word upset here have the opposite meaning of reassure?
thank u in advance
Top answer
I would think 'to upset' here means 'to disturb or distract from the normal routine' in the sense that art is meant to send a disruptive message to the viewer, the listener, the reader etc... that will waken him to new emotions and sensations. Whereas science is intended to demonstrate that the humans do have some grasp or control on the world that surrounds them ; or at least some understanding of it ; which somehow reassures them and makes them feel more comfortable with this world.
- I would think 'to upset' here means 'to disturb or distract from the normal routine' in the sense that art is meant to send a disruptive message to the viewer, the listener, the reader etc...
- that will waken him to new emotions and sensations.
- Whereas science is intended to demonstrate that the humans do have some grasp or control on the world that surrounds them ; or at least some understanding of it ; which somehow reassures them and makes them feel more comfortable with this world.
- As you can see, I guess your quote has convinced me...
- Where is it taken from ?
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6 Answers
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I would think 'to upset' here means 'to disturb or distract from the normal routine' in the sense that art is meant to send a disruptive message to the viewer, the listener, the reader etc... that will waken him to new emotions and sensations.
Whereas science is intended to demonstrate that the humans do have some grasp or control on the world that surrounds them ; or at least some unders
Whereas science is intended to demonstrate that the humans do have some grasp or control on the world that surrounds them ; or at least some unders
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Yes. I think the two terms 'reassure' and 'upset' are essentially used here as opposites.
My opinion, however, of the original statement is that it is a simplistic distinction, not worth much more than a colorful 'sound bite'. Furthermore, because the terms are in opposition to each other, the implication is that science and art are in opposition--a notion that cannot be easily suppo
My opinion, however, of the original statement is that it is a simplistic distinction, not worth much more than a colorful 'sound bite'. Furthermore, because the terms are in opposition to each other, the implication is that science and art are in opposition--a notion that cannot be easily suppo
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Reminds me of a quote from J.B.Priestly: The play was of a type described as disturbing. All the people watching it were probably disturbed already. Those who need disturbing were at home with their feet up.
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The function of the sentence is polemical; its purpose is to upset scientists.
MrP
MrP
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MY SON THINKS THAT THE OPPOSITE TO REASSURE SHOULD BE DISASSURE - I THINK IT MAKES A GOOD WORD AND IS MORE ACCURATE THAN USING THE WORD UPSET. YOU WOULDN OT AUTOMATICALLY THINK OF REASSURE AS THE OPPOSITE TO UPSET!
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