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Debating Conceptual Distinctions

Commenters argue over whether two similar concepts, situations, or statements are the same or distinct, often pointing out conflations or distinctions without differences.

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Top Contributors

Dylan16807 (23) tptacek (20) dang (16) mikeash (15) emodendroket (14)

Keywords

PT NV web.id translate.g UTF CV google.com THANK different things distinction difference talking different concepts differences conflating talking answers opinions

Sample Comments

tptacek • Aug 14, 2018 • View on HN

I agree that we are talking about two different things.

Zarath • Apr 13, 2018 • View on HN

To be fair, those are two different things.

knownjorbist • Jul 28, 2021 • View on HN

You're actually conflating two different things, in case it wasn't clear.

matsemann • Sep 12, 2020 • View on HN

Because it's not the exact same thing. Context matters.

aaron-santos • May 18, 2021 • View on HN

Thank you for taking the time to explain that a bit more. Yes we're talking about two different things.

eli • Apr 1, 2016 • View on HN

I get what you're saying, but the two situations really don't have much in common.

adastra22 • May 12, 2025 • View on HN

I think you are making a distinction without a difference.

vimacs2 • Aug 5, 2021 • View on HN

I don't disagree there, I'm just pointing out that there is a difference between the two cases.

lostmsu • Mar 16, 2025 • View on HN

I am not. My point was: why do you think these two things are any different?

golergka • Dec 27, 2016 • View on HN

You're describing these two concepts as if they were different things. Why?