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0xbadcafebee 2 days ago

Worth reminding the casual reader that the word 'consent' doesn't mean what most people today think it means. The word's definition only means "permission for something to happen or agreement to do something". But a modern colloquial definition created in last decade and a half means "i am of sound body and mind to be able to have sex without regretting it later". That very specific definition belies a misunderstanding of what's going on in context. Confusion about this meaning (and its implications) leads to conversations that can't be concluded logically. Because the use of the word 'consent' varies depending on the context, it requires modifier words to express a specific situation.

You can agree to things when you're drunk, obviously. But are you of sound mind and body to not regret that agreement later? That's a specific kind or quality of consent which actually has no official definition or modifier-word (even though it's what a lot of people mean). Examples of what I mean: Do you have enough information to consent without regretting it later? That's informed consent. Have you stated with words or documents that you consent? That's explicit consent. Have you already agreed to certain things when entering the bar (like the rules of the bar, and law in general)? That's implied consent. Are there some things you agree to and others you don't? That's granular consent. Do you agree to be part of my mailing list, or will you click this button if you don't want to be part of my mailing list? That's opt-in and opt-out consent (and passive consent).

But there is no modifier word for "I both have all available information and am of enough sound mind and body to not regret this decision later". Use of this meaning in the wrong context doesn't make sense. You don't need information or sound mind and body to agree to basic social conventions, like a greeting, or holding open a door. And you implicitly consent to things like the Law as an adult member of a country.

Because of the lack of nuance when talking about the concept of consent, it has created a lot of confusion and backlash. It would be less controversial if we had more specific terms of art, to accurately communicate ideas and come to more logical conclusions. I think most of us all agree on acceptable forms of conduct, but we talk past each other when words don't carry enough information.

david-gpu 2 days ago | parent [-]

> But are you of sound mind and body to not regret that agreement later?

People of "sound mind and body" sometimes later regret their choices. That sounds like an impossibly high expectation.

2 days ago | parent [-]
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