[AccessD] An Interesting question

See responses in line (top posting is not good for commenting on multiple points)

On 30 Mar 2009 at 10:54, Max Wanadoo wrote:

> Hi Guys,
> Things are what you want them to be within the context you are using them.
> QED there is no absolute definition of any word.

No, they are what they are  accepted to be within the culture of the group using them. 
Without cultural agreement about the meaning of words, there can be no communication.

In the culture of SQL and relational database developers Null means the absence of a 
value.

> EG. Usage of Nouns as Adjectives.  EG He is a man's man.

"man's" is a "possessive noun". A standard method of qualifying a noun with another noun.
I fail to see how is relevant.   
> 
> Eg A null modem using for connecting two PCs together - clearly not an
> absence of "something", merely a protocol.

It is *absolutely* the absence of something - specifically the absence of the modems.  It is a 
direct connection between two machines without any Modulation/Demodulation (Where 
does the name "modem" come from again?)  

> Eg. Colour - perception by the human eye and brain. 
> A specified colour may
> present itself differently to a person who is "colour blind".  

A Colour is more than that. It is the culturally agreed name for the perception of  specific 
wavelengths of radiation (light)

Black is the absence of perceived radiation - no radiation or no perception - no colour!

> Is yellow a
> colour or an act of cowardice?  Depends on the context.
> 
Depends on whether you are being literal or metaphorical.  We are not talking 
metaphorically here.

> Are black and white colours? Ans: yes if you want them to be.  No if you
> don't want them to be or Null if you refuse to answer!
> 
> A lot of these postings are just semantics.  
> 
i.e the study of meaning within communication.
Without which there can be no effective communication.

> >From Alice in the Looking Glass:-
> "When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, "it means
> what I choose it to mean, neither more nor less."

"Take care of the sense and the sounds will take care of themselves""
(ibid)