word-games

So much debate and philosophy devolves into word games around the hard borders of to be. We go in circles arguing over whether something is or is not something else, supposing that the latter exists and can be precisely defined. Replace instances of to be in its various conjugations with an active verb, a useful practice in both writing and thought. Is this art ? Ask rather, Does this delight and/or move me ? If yes (or no), what import has the label art ? But of course this practice merely shifts the burden which can never be lifted fully.