Articles

TitleDateExcerpt
In situ observation and the value of studying things in placeScientific observation often begins with a simple requirement: study the subject where it actually is. Ecologists count plants within a defined plot,

De Jure And The Meaning Of Legal StatusThe Latin phrase de jure means “by law” or “according to law”. It describes a status, authority, right, or arrangement that is legally recognised, whether or

The term de facto in actual practiceThe term de facto comes from Latin and means “in fact,” “in actual practice,” or “as things really are.” It describes a situation established by conduct or

Ad Hoc and the Logic of Temporary SolutionsAn ad hoc solution is one created to meet a particular need without becoming part of a settled system. It may be a stand-in arrangement, a one-off agreement,

Non sequitur and the anatomy of faulty reasoningA sound argument needs a route from its premises to its conclusion. When that route is missing or leads somewhere unrelated, the reasoning contains a non

Caveat Emptor and the Rules of Modern MarketplacesThe Latin expression caveat emptor means “let the buyer beware”. It describes a traditional marketplace principle: a person who purchases goods should examine

Alea Iacta Est and the Weight of Irreversible ChoicesDecisions become memorable when their consequences outlive the moment of choice. The Latin expression alea iacta est, usually rendered “the die is cast”, gives

Veni vidi vici and the power of a quick triumphVeni vidi vici—“I came, I saw, I conquered”—captures a result with remarkable economy. Its three verbs move from arrival to recognition to victory, leaving no

The meaning of carpe diem in seizing the dayCarpe diem is Latin for “seize the day,” but the expression has travelled far beyond a simple call to act quickly. It appears on calendars, at weddings, in

The Meaning of Curriculum Vitae in Careers and Australian RĂ©sumĂ©sA curriculum vitae presents a record of a person’s education, work, skills and achievements. Its name comes from the Latin curriculum vitae, usually translated