Words function as performative interpretations rather than nominal labels

Evidence

All reform consists in a change in the notions, sentiments and mental attitudes of the people towards men and things. It is common experience that certain names become associated with certain notions and sentiments which determine a person’s attitude towards men and things. The names Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra are names which are associated with a definite and fixed notion in the mind of every Hindu. That notion is that of a hierarchy based on birth. — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 912 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Saussure’s relational theory of meaning displaced the atomistic referential model of language — Alex Callinicos, Against Postmodernism: A Marxist…, 306; Functional language dissolves concepts by identifying things with their functions — Herbert Marcuse, One-Dimensional Man: Studies in the…, 399; Performative utterances create reality rather than admit truth-valuation — Jean-François Lyotard, The Postmodern Condition: A Report on…, 136 (+9 more)

Broader Connections

• Varna labels carry fixed hierarchical meanings that persist regardless of redefinition #complicates (0.75) — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 912