Posted by alexandra_k on January 8, 2006, at 15:56:37
In reply to Re: Larry's Block and a civil atmosphere » alexandra_k, posted by zeugma on January 8, 2006, at 15:26:28
> Think of the parts of your post that I am not discussing, alexandra. That's what I mean.
okay.
do you follow quine at all on how the analytic / synthetic distinction is ultimately untenable?
i'm thinking the civil / uncivil distinction might ultimately be untendable in just the same way, you see...
of course... just because the distinction breaks down... just because there are funny borderline cases where we don't know what to say and where there is no principled way of deciding... just because if you are determined you can cast much language as uncivil or theorietic doesn't mean the distinction is totally without use.
most people would agree that 'proton' is theorietic.
while 'brown' is descriptive
most people would agree that 'you are an *ss' is uncivil
while 'i disagree' is civil
(examples - i'm just using those as examples)sometimes...
i think we focus overly on the borderline cases the hard cases and think that because of that the distinction is of no use...
but...
we overlook the clear cut cases.
are there clear cut cases do you think?
or would you prefer babble to be a free for all where anything goes?
poster:alexandra_k
thread:596575
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20051205/msgs/596676.html