TASK 2: DISCUSSION - CUTTING by Grasella, Yusri, and Wine

 According to the discussion regarding Cutting in yesterday’s Pragmatics course, we : 

1.) Yusri Fajri Annur (A1B020065)

2.) Grasella Belta (A1B020055)

3.) Wine Githa Febiana (A1B020076)

We give the result as follows :

Video on YouTube : Edward Snowden: How Your Cell Phone Spies on You 

Link :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFns39RXPrU 

The phenomenon of floating maxims in Edward Snowden's interview refers to his use of well-known sayings or principles that are detached from their original context and applied to his situation in a new way. In the interview, Snowden frequently used phrases like "the proof is in the pudding" and "you can't unring a bell" to emphasize his points about government surveillance and privacy concerns. However, he used these phrases in a way that deviated from their typical usage, leading to a sense of ambiguity or fluidity in his message. This use of floating maxims allowed Snowden to express complex ideas in a relatable way while also challenging traditional interpretations of these common sayings.

In the video, Edward Snowden uses several phrases that can be considered as floating maxims. Some examples include:

- "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear" (used to criticize the argument that privacy is not important)

- "The power to surveil is the power to abuse" (used to emphasize the dangers of mass surveillance)

- "We have a right to our privacy, but more than that, we have an obligation to protect it" (used to emphasize the importance of privacy)

- "You can't give away rights, you can only give up your own" (used to criticize the argument that people willingly give up their privacy)

- "There's no such thing as a free lunch" (used to argue that the convenience of technology often comes at the cost of privacy)

These floating maxims are used to convey important ideas and arguments in a memorable and impactful way.

In the video interview with Edward Snowden, there are several instances of floating maxims, which are principles or guidelines that are not explicitly stated but are implied through the context of the conversation. One example of a floating maxim in the interview is the concept of privacy as a fundamental human right. While this is not explicitly stated, it is implied through Snowden's discussion of the importance of encryption and protecting individuals' personal data from government surveillance.

Another example of a floating maxim is the idea of government accountability and transparency. Snowden alludes to this principle when he discusses the need for government agencies to be held responsible for their actions, particularly in regards to mass surveillance programs. This principle is not explicitly stated, but is implied through Snowden's critiques of government surveillance practices.

Overall, the interview with Edward Snowden contains several instances of floating maxims that are implied through the context of the conversation. These principles, including privacy as a fundamental human right, government accountability and transparency, and individual agency and empowerment, are central to Snowden's critiques of government surveillance practices and his advocacy for greater privacy protections.