hard

1 2
   Share on Facebook  
Taka  #240196  Mon, 26 Jun 06 03:47 PM
According to one scientific study, music raises the learning capacity in so-called "hard" subjects as mathematics and physics in addition to language acquisition, and this should help restore a more balanced curriculum.

About 'hard' here, what does it mean? Simply 'difficult'? Or something else, like that in 'a hard SF novel'?
  
Top 50 Contributor
Joined on Tue, Sep 7 2004
Japan
Senior Member (2,336)
Marius Hancu  #240198  Mon, 26 Jun 06 03:52 PM
yes
hard
subjects=difficult subjects
  
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006
Montreal, Canada
Veteran Member (11,673)
Proficient Speaker
davkett  #240201  Mon, 26 Jun 06 03:59 PM

I think it's 'difficult' to say, cause math and physics might also be considered 'hard' in this sense: 

 7 a (1) : FIRM, DEFINITE  : not speculative or conjectural : FACTUAL <hard evidence>  free from sentimentality or illusion

  
Top 50 Contributor
Joined on Tue, Jun 7 2005
Pennsylvania, USA
Senior Member (2,788)
Proficient Speaker
"The rose stays fresh in its name..." -Bernard of Morlay
Taka  #240206  Mon, 26 Jun 06 04:07 PM
 Davkett wrote:

I think it's 'difficult' to say, cause math and physics might also be considered 'hard' in this sense: 

 7 a (1) : FIRM, DEFINITE  : not speculative or conjectural : FACTUAL <hard evidence>  free from sentimentality or illusion

That's right, davkett and that's why I'm kind of confused, especially when there is some kind of contrast between the subject and music.



  
davkett  #240209  Mon, 26 Jun 06 04:13 PM

Yes, I think, otherwise, we have to believe that the subjects of math and physics are intrinsically difficult.  But for some people learning music would be more difficult.  So 'difficulty' is a subjective thing. 

On the other hand, the more accomplished mathemeticians and physicists might claim that their subject is as 'soft' as 'the creative arts,' that math and physics are as speculative and conjectural as any other category of knowledge.

  
Taka  #240213  Mon, 26 Jun 06 04:19 PM
 Davkett wrote:

Yes, I think, otherwise, we have to believe that the subjects of math and physics are intrinsically difficult.  But for some people learning music would be more difficult.  So 'difficulty' is a subjective thing. 

On the other hand, the more accomplished mathemeticians and physicists might claim that their subject is as 'soft' as 'the creative arts,' that math and physics are as speculative and conjectural as any other category of knowledge.

Does it mean that you are more inclined to think that the 'hard' is close to 'factual' or something like that?
  
davkett  #240217  Mon, 26 Jun 06 04:27 PM

No, Taka, it's just my reservation about hard (as in 'inflexible', 'unmalleable', 'hard-nosed') categories.

  
Taka  #240219  Mon, 26 Jun 06 04:34 PM
 Davkett wrote:

No, Taka, it's just my reservation about hard (as in 'inflexible', 'unmalleable', 'hard-nosed') categories.

Well, at least it seems that you don't think it's a matter of difficulty here, right?

'Unmalleable' may be close to 'fact-based', which doesn't seem to be far from 'factual', in my opinion.
  
davkett  #240222  Mon, 26 Jun 06 04:40 PM

I believe my position is that it is 'difficult' to say.  Sorry, for being elusive.

  
1 2
AddThis Feed Button RSS Feed: ESL General English Grammar Questions
© 2008 MediaCET Ltd.
Terms and Conditions & Terms of Service