Philosophy
Bad logic, but a great story...Santa's authenticity is in doubt and winds up in a New York court. How do you prove with authority, accepted by all, of Santa's genuine status? The sharp attorney has the idea of making an appeal to authority. [That right there is an informal fallacy.] The lawyer appeals to an institution that we trust and consider a fountain of authority--the United States Government. Yes, the Unites States Government--ultimate sources of validity next to God. And what part of the government will offer credence. Why of course, the United States Postal Service. Why them? The vein of reasons is that millions of children send Santa letters and it is the function of the United States Post Office to deliver the same and in essence recognize Santa's postal address. Convoluted logic, but, nevertheless, concludes the authenticity of Santa by a bona fide branch of the United States Government. Case closed. Any questions? Before you ask, remember the "coal" threat.
All of this may be mute in a few years when the USPS vanishes.
- The Quantum Santa Hypothesis
I teach a first year seminar called "Einstein in Wonderland: Physics, Philosophy, and Other Nonsense" in which we consider the classical notion of sense from Descartes and Newton, classical nonsense from Lewis Carroll, and then look at relativity theory...
- When Is Belief In Santa Claus Rational?
We can start from the assertion that anyone older than 18 cannot rationally believe in the existence of Santa. Is it ever rational? For a five year old, you have a number of ways of acquiring this as a reasonable belief. First, there is a seemingly legitimate...
- Santa Is Dead?
"The Heartbreaking Truth About Santa Still Stings Adults" by Susan Donaldson James December 24th, 2012 ABC News Emily Charlton, as a wide-eyed fourth grader, said she felt betrayed by her classmates on her elementary school playground during recess...
- "sock" It To Me Christmas
The customary "Christmas stocking"--never knew this: What a delightful tale and significance of an orange placed in the toe of a sock. In this political season polls and focus groups seem to be all the rage. It is a trend that isn't lost on us here...
- Cry For An Old Form Of Communication Or To Generate Revenue?
"Revenue", I would bet. The U. S. Postal Service is in deep trouble and they will try anything. Think about it...when was the last time you received a genuine, hand-written first class letter? Been a while, hasn't it. "U.S. Postal Service unveils...
Philosophy
"Miracle on 34th Street"...bad logic?
Miracle on 34th Street
Bad logic, but a great story...Santa's authenticity is in doubt and winds up in a New York court. How do you prove with authority, accepted by all, of Santa's genuine status? The sharp attorney has the idea of making an appeal to authority. [That right there is an informal fallacy.] The lawyer appeals to an institution that we trust and consider a fountain of authority--the United States Government. Yes, the Unites States Government--ultimate sources of validity next to God. And what part of the government will offer credence. Why of course, the United States Postal Service. Why them? The vein of reasons is that millions of children send Santa letters and it is the function of the United States Post Office to deliver the same and in essence recognize Santa's postal address. Convoluted logic, but, nevertheless, concludes the authenticity of Santa by a bona fide branch of the United States Government. Case closed. Any questions? Before you ask, remember the "coal" threat.
All of this may be mute in a few years when the USPS vanishes.
- The Quantum Santa Hypothesis
I teach a first year seminar called "Einstein in Wonderland: Physics, Philosophy, and Other Nonsense" in which we consider the classical notion of sense from Descartes and Newton, classical nonsense from Lewis Carroll, and then look at relativity theory...
- When Is Belief In Santa Claus Rational?
We can start from the assertion that anyone older than 18 cannot rationally believe in the existence of Santa. Is it ever rational? For a five year old, you have a number of ways of acquiring this as a reasonable belief. First, there is a seemingly legitimate...
- Santa Is Dead?
"The Heartbreaking Truth About Santa Still Stings Adults" by Susan Donaldson James December 24th, 2012 ABC News Emily Charlton, as a wide-eyed fourth grader, said she felt betrayed by her classmates on her elementary school playground during recess...
- "sock" It To Me Christmas
The customary "Christmas stocking"--never knew this: What a delightful tale and significance of an orange placed in the toe of a sock. In this political season polls and focus groups seem to be all the rage. It is a trend that isn't lost on us here...
- Cry For An Old Form Of Communication Or To Generate Revenue?
"Revenue", I would bet. The U. S. Postal Service is in deep trouble and they will try anything. Think about it...when was the last time you received a genuine, hand-written first class letter? Been a while, hasn't it. "U.S. Postal Service unveils...