Detached

/dɪˈtætʃt/ adjective

Definition

separate or disconnected; showing emotional distance or objectivity

Etymology

from French 'détacher', from 'dé-' (away) + 'tache' (fastening)

Kelly Says

A 'detached house' and a 'detached person' both share the idea of standing apart - one physically, one emotionally! Sometimes distance gives you the best perspective.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Rationality and detachment have been coded masculine; women are stereotyped as 'emotional' or 'attached.' This creates a false dichotomy where objectivity is assumed male and subjectivity female.

Inclusive Usage

Recognize that detachment and emotional awareness are independent skills; both men and women can be objective or emotionally literate. Use 'objective' or 'impartial' for specificity.

Inclusive Alternatives

["objective","impartial","analytical"]

Empowerment Note

Women scientists and philosophers have historically been undervalued for rigorous analytical work while their emotional intelligence was dismissed; crediting both cognitive modes advances inclusive epistemology.

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