Re: It's a Pity, Dave (to Michael Savoia)
Michael Savoia (msavoia@ns1.asa-net.or.jp)
Wed, 7 May 1997 11:52:00 +0900
> Dave
> > If this is wrong, then give me a yes or no answer to the following
> > question:
> > are the two following statements contradictory?:
> >
> > "Neither of my sister-in-laws has ever met my in-laws"
> > "My in-laws have met both my sister-in-laws"
> >
>
> Savoia
> They may or may not be, depending on whether the in-laws in the
> first sentence are the same as in the second, or perhaps the manner
> of their meeting. Obviously anyone's first impression is that it is
> a contradiction.
>
> (DAVE 5/6) Michael: Exactly. And one's first impression could be
> entirely wrong once they learn a bit more detail about the
> statements. Could this not be the case when Mount Hor and Moserath
> are addressed as well? Is it not false to make an assertion based
> on "first impressions"?
>
> Michael
> However, IF you hold to a view that the person
> making those statements absolutely cannot contradict him/herself,
> then do you see, Dave, why you must argue that they are NOT a
> contradiction, given your position?
>
> (DAVE 5/6) Michael: No, I don't, as I said - a non-believer could
> present you with the same problem. You see, the only answer from
> errantists that I am getting is "well, you think it's the opposite
> so prove it" - this is evasion and buck passing. I am asking the
Savoia
However, a non-believer would tend to take things at face value as
well. A non-believer would have no reason, and probably wouldn't
care, to counteract any statement asserting that the two are different places.
The believer, on the other hand, holds a view that the statements
*cannot* be contradictory. This implies that the two are the same
place.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Savoia
msavoia@iac.co.jp