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[Jersey Nick]

Here's why the bet is a push.
[ QUOTE ]
But I would not be completely honest with you if I didn't point out a couple of exceptions:

Exception #1: Sometimes effect can do the job of a verb. Aw, hell, sometimes it is a verb. Here's when:

Jonathan, please effect a total makeover of your essay.

In this sentence, "effect" has two special conditions:

1. there is a direct object ("(makeover)")

2. It means bring about, cause to happen.

I love how classy the use of "effect" this way sounds:

Yes, Marjorie, I will effect the changes you require in our relationship.

effect = bring about, "changes"= direct object, so we know using effect this way is OK.

It sounds so much more elegant than, "Yes, Marjorie, I will do what you tell me to do."

[/ QUOTE ]

"mental states cannot effect physical states"

1. there is a direct object: physical states

2. It means bring about, cause to happen.

Bison is right as always - it is poorly written.

[Stephen Gray]

Sorry, you are wrong. "Mental states cannot influence physical states." is vastly different than "Mental states cannot bring into being, create physical states." The preceding, "it is a closed causal system" is contextual clue that makes clear the meaning of the sentence.

[bisonbison]

The preceding, "it is a closed causal system" is contextual clue that makes clear the meaning of the sentence.

No, the first sentence doesn't resolve any of the ambiguity. Sorry.

"Closed causal system": causation can include creation and influence.

[Cancer Merchant]

[ QUOTE ]
The clear answer is that the sentence is poorly written.

Just say 'create'.

[/ QUOTE ]

Exactly.

"Use definite, specific, concrete language. Prefer the specific to the general, the definite to the vague,
the concrete to the abstract."

[Stephen Gray]

This was a discussion about how the arrangement of an individual's neurotransmitters creates his or her perceptions, emotions, etc. The sentence may not be constructed in the best manner, but it is not ambiguous and it is certainly not incorrect.

[greg nice]

[ QUOTE ]
if you're having trouble try putting a synonym in the sentence.

affect = influence
effect = result

which one makes more sense? obviously affect. it's funny to hear all the people who not only staunchly defend the wrong answer but call everyone who is right a moron.

final answer = affect

[/ QUOTE ]


problem for you and 75% of the others is, you are only aware of one definition for 'effect'. once you realize that youve erred, it is unlikely you will reappear in the thread out of sheer embarassment. life is grand

[stinkypete]

[ QUOTE ]
The clear answer is that the sentence is poorly written.

Just say 'create'.

[/ QUOTE ]

exactly what i was saying in #twoplustwo. this bisonbison guy is smart.

[bwana devil]

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once you realize that youve erred, it is unlikely you will reappear in the thread out of sheer embarassment.

[/ QUOTE ]

...or boredom. ive made my case. learn from it or don't. your choice.

[bronzepiglet]

[ QUOTE ]
The clear answer is that the sentence is poorly written.

Just say 'create'.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, this is the answer. And problems arise from the ambiguity...

but I would hope that people would realize that we're not talking about some 3rd grade difference between "effect" and "affect" here, but rather extended appropriate usages of a word. Most of those responding to the poll aren't getting this before they click their answer.

[Sephus]

veen is correct, in the "college usage" sense, but the real problem is that rather than use language that would communicate his thoughts most efficiently (given his audience), he decided to do it most pretentiously. [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]