virus: tit for tat

Reed Konsler (konsler@ascat.harvard.edu)
Wed, 17 Mar 1999 12:34:31 -0500

>Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 09:19:25 -0700
>From: David McFadzean <david@lucifer.com>
>Subject: Re: virus: Quid pro quo (caveat emptor)
>
>No, it does not depend on context. The only situation where every
>side is equal is the one where nothing matters AKA nihilism.
>The sides are not equal using every other set of criteria (an
>infinite number of possible contexts).

Agreed. But which side is the most valuable changes from context to context. Are you insisting that <reason> is most valuable in every context save nihlism?

>>If I say "heads I win, tails you lose" what does it matter?
>
>That is the best description of Level 3 I have seen yet.

OK, we traded cheap shots. I accept that.

>I thought Level 3 was about consciously choosing one's memes
>but I was wrong. Level 3 means never having to admit you
>were wrong. Level 3 means if you disagree with anyone you
>can always simultaneously insult them and discount everything
>they say by putting them on a lower level. Level 3 means that
>if anyone shows an inconsistency in your ideas, you can hide
>behind rhetoric. Maybe this isn't what Richard had in mind
>when he invented Level 3 but this is what it has become.

Really? I think this is your perception of it, not mine.

First, I can admit when I'm wrong...for instance, when KMO called me on the philosophy of science thing. I was bitching out of line, and he was right, not me. Jeez, David ...do you want a confessional? I've been wrong so many times I've lost count. When you prick me do I not bleed?

Second, I'm not insulting anyone. I'm confronting them.

Third, I accept inconsistency in an upright way...I don't need to hide behind anything. I use rhetoric as a tool, as have you in making these negative and inappropriate associations to Level 3

>I can certainly play your game. Do you think it will be fun?

Is it?

Reed


  Reed Konsler                        konsler@ascat.harvard.edu
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