Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: nyu notesfiles V1.1 4/1/84; site rocksvax.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!rochester!ritcv!rocksvax!z From: z@rocksvax.UUCP Newsgroups: net.abortion Subject: Re: Live fetuses Message-ID: <36500001@rocksvax.UUCP> Date: Fri, 9-Aug-85 01:02:00 EDT Article-I.D.: rocksvax.36500001 Posted: Fri Aug 9 01:02:00 1985 Date-Received: Mon, 12-Aug-85 03:53:16 EDT References: <4100@alice.UUCP> Lines: 48 Nf-ID: #R:alice:-410000:rocksvax:36500001:000:2418 Nf-From: rocksvax!z Aug 9 01:02:00 1985 alice!ark writes: " For instance, Ayn Rand defines `life' as `self-determined, self-sustaining course of action.'" I am afraid I never read anything by Ayn Rand. Lets see what the Britannica World Language Edition of Funk & Wagnalls Dictionary has to say: (Reprinted without permission) alive -adj. 1. In a living state, or a state in which the organs perform their functions; having life: said of organisms: opposed to *dead*. 2. In action, motion, or existence; in force, or operation; in full vigor. 3. In lively action; in an animated state; sprightly: *alive* with enthusiasm. 4. In a condition of attentiveness, sensitiveness, or susceptibility; open to impressions. 5. Abounding in life or living things: The hive was *alive* with bees. life -n. 1. That state in which animals and plants exist which distinguishes them from inorganic substances and from dead organisms: characterized by metabolism and growth, reproduction, and internally initiated adaptations to the enviornment. 2. That vital existence, the loss of which means death: to give one's *life*. 3. The period of animate existence from birth until death, or a part of it. 4. Any conscious and intelligent existence: the *life* here and hereafter. 5. Energy and animation; spirit; vivacity: to put *life* into an enterprise 6. A source of liveliness, animation, etc.: to be the *life* of the party. 7. That which keeps something alive; the source or essence of existence. 8. A living being; a person: Many *lives* were lost. 9. living things in the aggregate: plant *life*. 10. In art, a living figure or semblence: a picture drawn from *life*. 11. The course of active human existence; human affairs: daily *life* in the city. 12 A certain manner or way of living: the *life* of a recluse. 13 *Theol.* A state of spiritual attainment or awareness following conversion. 14 A biography. 15 The duration of efficiency or usefulness of anything: the *life* of the machine. (end of reprint) It is interesting to note Rand's definition fits closely with the 4th alternate definition of life. Can we now settle on our definitions of words? If someone wants to change the meaning please send your correspondence to Funk & Wagnalls. *This is an inappropriate forum for discussing changes to the English language.* //Z\\ James M. Ziobro Ziobro.Henr@Xerox.COM {rochester,amd,sunybcs,allegra}!rocksvax!z