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Arguments and Logic 做逻辑和争论
Representing arguments as old as philosophy itself and the terms associated with them, these terms are good to know for a well-rounded education.
A priori: You might come across this term in classes about logic or reasoning. It means taking a general law or idea and applying it to a particular instance without needing experimentation or observation. An example of an a priori statement that is used is, \bachelors are single.\You do not need to observe this to see that it is true because, by definition, bachelors must be single.
A posteriori: A posteriori arguments are different than a priori because they are based on actual observation or experimentation. Continuing on the previous example, an a posteriori example of reasoning might be that \bachelors are happy.\This can be based on real life observation isn't a given based on what a bachelor is.
Ad nauseam: This Latin term is used to describe an argument that has been taking place to the point of nausea, often with the same arguments being rehashed over and over for years until everyone, except a select few, are simply sick to death of the whole thing.
Ergo: Simply put, ergo means therefore and you can exchange it with therefore or hence in any sentence and maintain the same meaning. For example, you could say, \think, ergo I am\without changing the meaning of the original.
Legal Language
One place where Latin words are very commonly used is in the courtroom. Learn some of these basic legal words to help you better understand Law and Order and how the legal process works.
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? Compis mentis: Meaning \command of one's mind\this term is used i
n the legal field to denote someone who is competent to stand trial and not encumbered by mental illness or handicap.
? Subpoena: If you've ever watched a legal drama on TV, you've more tha
n likely heard this term thrown around but perhaps haven't given much thought
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as to what it really means. The word subpoena comes from the Latin meaning \penalty\and if someone delivers a subpoena to you have to respond or they'll be some big penalties under the law.
Ad hominem: In court, or outside of it for that matter, this term is used to designate an argument that attacks someone's character rather than addressing a question or issue at hand. By attacking character, these arguments appeal to emotions and prejudices rather than reason or logic.
Habeas corpus: A writ of habeas corpus (literally, have the body) requires a person to appear before the court in person, generally to ascertain whether or not the detention of that person is lawful. Habeas corpus cannot be suspended unless there is reason to believe that a person could pose a danger to the public.
Pro bono: Pro bono means \the good\and it's a term used to designate when something is done free of charge. While the term can be applied in any field, it is most commonly used to describe legal services.
Mens rea: There is a big difference between murder and manslaughter, and mens rea is what separates the two. Mens rea means \mind,\and those who go into a crime intending to commit it have it, differing from those who commit a crime accidentally or without advance planning.
Business
It's always good to know the language of business, especially in such a competitive market. No matter what field you enter, you're bound to hear these words at some point in your career.
? Ad hoc: From the Latin meaning \this,\this term gained popularity in
the mid-1600s and it still used today. It refers to something that is formed or done quickly to meets the needs of a particular problem or issue without regard to a more general application and generally lacking advance planning.
? Per diem: Meaning \the day\a per diem in most uses today designat
es a daily allowance used in traveling for work. It can also mean a per-day rate or that someone is paid on a daily basis. Other common similar terms are per annum (by the year) and per capita (by the person.)
? Curriculum vitae: A curriculum vitae is basically a fancy way to describe
a resume. While it means literally \course of one's life\the terms is applie
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d to mean a short list of your accomplishments and training-- something any grad will need to think about putting together soon.
? Pro rata: This Latin phrase is something you're likely familiar with in ever
yday life. It means to charge at a proportional rate. So if a service is $100 for 10 hours, then one would cost $10 pro rata.
? Quid pro quo: While Anthony Hopkins so sinisterly used this phrase in The Silence of the Lambs, in everyday life it's often used to describe an exchange of value necessary for a contract to take place. From the Latin meaning \ for that,\it gets used in everywhere from the courtroom to the bedroom in modern English.
Quotes and Sayings
These quotes and sayings in Latin get tossed around, put on bumper stickers and repeated in conversations so they're well-worth knowing.
Carpe diem: This well-known phrase comes from a poem by Horace. While there have been arguments about the exact translation, it is most commonly held to mean \the day\encouraging individuals to live life to the fullest today without expectation of a tomorrow.
Cogito ergo sum: Translated from the Latin, the quote means \think, therefore I am\and comes from the writing of philosopher Rene Descartes.
Veni, vidi, vici: These famous words were purported uttered by Roman emperor Julius Caesar after a short war with Pharnaces II of Pontus. Translated, it means \came, I saw, I conquered\an adage you can hopefully keep in mind come finals time.
In vino veritas: If you're old enough to drink or have been around others who have imbibed, you're more than likely already familiar with the wisdom behind this quote from Pliny the Elder meaning, \wine there is the truth.\It is often followed up with \aqua sanitas\or \water there is health\something all college students should remember.
E pluribus unum: Simply take a look at American currency to see this Latin phrase in use. It means \of many, one\and is found on anything bearing the seal of the United States.
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Et tu, Brute?: These are the famous last words of Julius Caesar after he is murdered by his friend Marcus Brutus in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. They mean \you, Brutus?\and are used poetically today to designate any form of the utmost betrayal.
在美国上大学50个必记的拉丁词汇资料
