I agree with this definition of words and their utility, but I also agree with GPs definition of nature. Now we have two running definitions and they contradict, thus a debate ensues. Political debates are often a matter of warring sides trying to establish their meaning of a word over the other's.
Thankfully, we also have a reasonable expectation in the use of words in that they map to something real. The broader the internal consistency of that word, the more 'authoritative' it should be - although, admittedly, this is just my opinion. (Politics will surely have some say about this.)
On defining nature, we have witnessed two definitions.
1. Not human.
2. All of the cosmos.
Those who appreciate the theory of evolution, I think, will have a harder time determining where the threshold between human and nature would be.
> Those who appreciate the theory of evolution, I think, will have a harder time determining where the threshold between human and nature would be.
All human terms are subjective that way. The universe is relative and probabilistic. Ideas like "nature" can be useful, but that's not to say the universe has a boolean type called "Nature" that actually exists in any objective sense.
Yet we keep having these sorts of debates year after year. Nothing exists in the ways that most people think them to be. I could care less whether something is "natural" if the conclusion has no use.
Thankfully, we also have a reasonable expectation in the use of words in that they map to something real. The broader the internal consistency of that word, the more 'authoritative' it should be - although, admittedly, this is just my opinion. (Politics will surely have some say about this.)
On defining nature, we have witnessed two definitions.
1. Not human.
2. All of the cosmos.
Those who appreciate the theory of evolution, I think, will have a harder time determining where the threshold between human and nature would be.