@Khethil,
Khethil,
Quote:I'd say they're probably more a result of Human Nature and our need to successful interaction than anything else.
I think so too. peaceful and/or agreed interaction involves gestures, in this case language, to establish vital steps in social survival.
Quote:They don't *appear* to have any function within the realm of logic (except by drawing a non-direct correlation).
Also the act of Please, and receiving a Thankyou, is a setup for logic within itself.
Quote:They seem to carry the intonation of 'consideration' of others as humans; dispensing warm fuzzies to express gratitude or pleading. I think that polite words like this go far in smoothing over the barriers to cooperation.
i think these two words also help individuals to remember the basics of human interaction, when dealing with others in complicated situations.
Thankyou.... and
your Welcome. Theres another one I think falls to subject
jgweed,
Quote:
Rather than look at the words themselves, it might be more to the point to look at the various social situations in which they are used. It would seem that for the most part, these are ritual words (much like "how are you?" which is not meant to be taken as a desire for factual knowledge of the Other).
We learn when it is appropriate to apply these social formulae at an early age (often re-inforced constantly in grade schools).
I do also believe that these words are used often with empty meaning behind them. Which is to say that, There is some sort of line that should be drawn around these words to look at them philosophically.
As for different scenarios. How many times have you heard someone use these words in a sarcastic tone to express dislike. "Gee, Thanks".
And of course, Getting into the complex understandings, that a person might have individually towards the word thankyou. A good example would be in religion, when you might thank god. There definitely is a conflict of interest when you thank something, that is considered completely consciousness.