St David's Day is actually tomorrow, but because it's also Ash Wednesday the college's evensong and dinner was actually tonight. As usual, it was a particularly impressive formal hall - with four courses, and the choir singing grace in Welsh - to celebrate the occasion.
There were plenty of graduates there, as we'd booked our last GCR meeting of term to coincide with the event. Sadly I got there a bit late, having been to see Ronald Dworkin in the Law Faculty, so wasn't able to sit with many other people - it was just me and my guest Veronika, but a pleasant enough evening in her company (and relative privacy) It meant we didn't get any wine to accompany the meal, but that was just as well.
After the meal, our meeting consisted only of new committee hustings - I'm standing (unopposed) for secretary - and the out-going committee giving end of year speeches. Sara's Lord of the Rings-style one and Nick's Marlon Brando impression ("a lot of us have come to see the GCR as a family") were the best.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Maths Test
| You Passed 8th Grade Math |
 |
Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?
From Crooked Timber.
Liverpool 1-0 Man City
It’s now five successive matches that have finished 1-0 (Wigan, Arsenal, Man Utd, Benfica and Man City). I’d like more goals, but at least Liverpool have been on the winning side of four of those. For now, it’s enough to ‘win ugly’ – with the hope that we will do better next season (with a new winger or two and striker).
The biggest worry from the match was the head injury to Alonso – the second successive game we’ve lost a midfielder to a first-half head injury, of course – and the knock Gerrard took later on from Dunne. I’m surprised we didn’t substitute the latter in favour of Cisse.
Rafa has recently criticised the Frenchman, understandably given his performances, but his pace seemed ideal to exploit the gaps left once City were down to ten men and chasing the game. He’d certainly have been more of a threat than Morientes – whose build-up play is acceptable, but who just doesn’t seem to have any goal threat any more. He even left a free kick rolled into his path this afternoon – and was about to walk off the field when Crouch was substituted.
For now, not a great display, but we were good value for our win, so I’ll settle for that. Hopefully Gerrard and Alonso will be fit for next week’s match against Charlton, or we’ll need to seriously re-organise a midfield already missing Sissoko and Zenden.
The biggest worry from the match was the head injury to Alonso – the second successive game we’ve lost a midfielder to a first-half head injury, of course – and the knock Gerrard took later on from Dunne. I’m surprised we didn’t substitute the latter in favour of Cisse.
Rafa has recently criticised the Frenchman, understandably given his performances, but his pace seemed ideal to exploit the gaps left once City were down to ten men and chasing the game. He’d certainly have been more of a threat than Morientes – whose build-up play is acceptable, but who just doesn’t seem to have any goal threat any more. He even left a free kick rolled into his path this afternoon – and was about to walk off the field when Crouch was substituted.
For now, not a great display, but we were good value for our win, so I’ll settle for that. Hopefully Gerrard and Alonso will be fit for next week’s match against Charlton, or we’ll need to seriously re-organise a midfield already missing Sissoko and Zenden.
Pogge
I saw Thomas Pogge give a talk on testing medical drugs on the global poor on Thursday (in the Politics Department), and give an Amnesty Lecture on Friday on the ‘War on Terror’. Last night I went to see him for the third time in three days, addressing the Balliol undergraduate PPE Society on Rawls’ two (domestic and international) theories of justice.
I had planned to go to the ‘Bollywood’ themed party in the GCR afterwards, but after talking 8-10 Pogge came back to Holywell Manor MCR with a bunch of us and we sat discussing global justice and charity until about half midnight.
The main topics were:
1) Toby’s proposal to give all his income over £8,000 (net, inflation adjusted) to charity.
2) The fact that Bill Gates – though he does a lot of good, in virtue of his large absolute contribution – isn’t particularly praiseworthy for denoting all over $2 billion to charity. (Note it’s a separate question whether he should in fact be praised – answer probably yes)
3) The suggestion that if we had a culture of announcing charitable contributions publicly (rather than keeping them private), while it might mean some giving was less virtuous, it would probably be better in terms of how much was given.
4) Pogge’s tax avoidance plan – which basically involved buying risky shares, and giving those that rise sharply to Oxfam (legally avoiding capital gains tax)
By the time I got back to college (12:45am) I was just able to see the last people leaving the party. Perhaps I didn’t miss much! Sitting around in an MCR discussing weighty moral/political matters with a leading professor is surely something that should be part of the Oxford graduate experience.
I had planned to go to the ‘Bollywood’ themed party in the GCR afterwards, but after talking 8-10 Pogge came back to Holywell Manor MCR with a bunch of us and we sat discussing global justice and charity until about half midnight.
The main topics were:
1) Toby’s proposal to give all his income over £8,000 (net, inflation adjusted) to charity.
2) The fact that Bill Gates – though he does a lot of good, in virtue of his large absolute contribution – isn’t particularly praiseworthy for denoting all over $2 billion to charity. (Note it’s a separate question whether he should in fact be praised – answer probably yes)
3) The suggestion that if we had a culture of announcing charitable contributions publicly (rather than keeping them private), while it might mean some giving was less virtuous, it would probably be better in terms of how much was given.
4) Pogge’s tax avoidance plan – which basically involved buying risky shares, and giving those that rise sharply to Oxfam (legally avoiding capital gains tax)
By the time I got back to college (12:45am) I was just able to see the last people leaving the party. Perhaps I didn’t miss much! Sitting around in an MCR discussing weighty moral/political matters with a leading professor is surely something that should be part of the Oxford graduate experience.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Dancing
Tonight was the first of two GCR waltzing lessons, in preparation for the End of Term dinner (16th March). I had a few similar classes in Sixth Form actually, but tonight only confirmed that – like anyone else who can’t dance – I should’ve become a DJ!
Actually, the general level of co-ordination amongst our GCR doesn’t seem that high, so about eight couples trying to waltz in the confines of our bunker was bound to lead to a fair few collisions (and me ending up on a chair once or twice…)
There’s only one more lesson – Hopefully that’ll produce some kind of improvement… Mind you, I’ll blame it on having a partner a foot shorter than me. It makes it a lot harder to step around each other when your steps are so different!
Actually, the general level of co-ordination amongst our GCR doesn’t seem that high, so about eight couples trying to waltz in the confines of our bunker was bound to lead to a fair few collisions (and me ending up on a chair once or twice…)
There’s only one more lesson – Hopefully that’ll produce some kind of improvement… Mind you, I’ll blame it on having a partner a foot shorter than me. It makes it a lot harder to step around each other when your steps are so different!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
GCR Elections
Tonight a new GCR President was elected, 19-12 (running against an option to Re-Open Nominations). In hindsight, maybe it would've been better if RON won.
I'm planning on standing for a committe post, to be elected next week.
I'm planning on standing for a committe post, to be elected next week.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Blogger Meet (after the event)
Unfortunately I just missed Milan. I'll have to introduce myself to the person I think might be Milan next time I see him in the department I guess... I did get to meet Andy, Seth and Mike* though (as well as Rob, who of course I already knew). All seemed nice people, perhaps I'll end up getting more ensnared in this Oxford blogging community... (Though unfortunately I'll probably miss the up-coming exchange dinner with Trinity College due to both legs being on a Thursday)
*I'm assuming I got the blogs right, after consultation here.
*I'm assuming I got the blogs right, after consultation here.
Benfica 1-0 Liverpool
I missed most of this match, between our GCR’s presidential hustings (update: for result of the election, see here) and the blogger meet. As it is, I can’t offer too much commentary on how we played, but I am disappointed by the result. From what I hear, we deserved at least a draw (probably only a draw, but not defeat). In Europe, 0-0 away from home is a poor result – to lose even worse.
Mind you, my biggest concern is for Sissoko. Granted I’ve been critical at times of his distribution and timing of tackles, but he game to us young and raw and looks full of potential. He put in awesome performances against Arsenal and Man Utd, that really could see him live up to the ‘new Vieira’ tag. Hopefully reports that his career could be over – after a kick in the eye from Beto – will prove unfounded. Nonetheless it looks pretty certain he’s out for the rest of the season, and his vision will be somewhat compromised permanently from what I understand. (see here, here and here).
Mind you, my biggest concern is for Sissoko. Granted I’ve been critical at times of his distribution and timing of tackles, but he game to us young and raw and looks full of potential. He put in awesome performances against Arsenal and Man Utd, that really could see him live up to the ‘new Vieira’ tag. Hopefully reports that his career could be over – after a kick in the eye from Beto – will prove unfounded. Nonetheless it looks pretty certain he’s out for the rest of the season, and his vision will be somewhat compromised permanently from what I understand. (see here, here and here).
Monday, February 20, 2006
Blogger Meet (Final Reminder)
Tomorrow in the Turf. See here.
I won't be able to make it until 9:30-10 because of our GCR president hustings/meeting. I hope people will be easy to recognise. I don't want to go wondering around the Turf asking every table if they're a group of bloggers...
I won't be able to make it until 9:30-10 because of our GCR president hustings/meeting. I hope people will be easy to recognise. I don't want to go wondering around the Turf asking every table if they're a group of bloggers...
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Good Effort
Well done to Colchester, for a valiant effort against Chelsea - though they lost 3-1, they lead for a while (9 minutes) and Chelsea were forced to bring on Lampard, Cole and Crespo.
In fairness to Colchester, I guess they're not used to playing on such an awful pitch!
In fairness to Colchester, I guess they're not used to playing on such an awful pitch!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Liverpool 1-0 Man Utd (FA Cup)
Revenge (for this) is sweet.
It was nice that Liverpool’s third consecutive FA Cup game was on the BBC. Anyone would think half their pundits were ex-Reds or something…
While not as one-sided as the Arsenal match, Liverpool were pretty dominant, and even if they didn’t carve out many clear chances – due no doubt to the presence of Sissoko and Hamann in midfield for the injured Alonso – they bossed the midfield. It’s safe to say that Liverpool with Man Utd’s strike force or Man Utd with Liverpool’s midfield would be an awesome prospect. As it is, the Manc midfield is a shambles without Keane or Scholes.
It was particularly sweet that Crouch scored the winner, both because he needed the goal, and because of all the constant jibes. If it wasn’t for Van der Sar we might have had one or two more too, and Giggs’ lunge on Kewell probably should’ve been a penalty as well – not that I’ve had much faith in us converting them lately.
The real talking point was, of course, a horrific ankle/leg break suffered by Alan Smith as he charged down Riise’s shot in the dying minutes. It was one of those where his leg just snapped without any contact from anyone else – not unlike Cisse last year – and from the sound of it he’s out at least a year, compounding Utd’s midfield problems. I wouldn’t wish an injury like that on anyone (even Neville), and I hope he makes a complete recovery.
It was nice that Liverpool’s third consecutive FA Cup game was on the BBC. Anyone would think half their pundits were ex-Reds or something…
While not as one-sided as the Arsenal match, Liverpool were pretty dominant, and even if they didn’t carve out many clear chances – due no doubt to the presence of Sissoko and Hamann in midfield for the injured Alonso – they bossed the midfield. It’s safe to say that Liverpool with Man Utd’s strike force or Man Utd with Liverpool’s midfield would be an awesome prospect. As it is, the Manc midfield is a shambles without Keane or Scholes.
It was particularly sweet that Crouch scored the winner, both because he needed the goal, and because of all the constant jibes. If it wasn’t for Van der Sar we might have had one or two more too, and Giggs’ lunge on Kewell probably should’ve been a penalty as well – not that I’ve had much faith in us converting them lately.
The real talking point was, of course, a horrific ankle/leg break suffered by Alan Smith as he charged down Riise’s shot in the dying minutes. It was one of those where his leg just snapped without any contact from anyone else – not unlike Cisse last year – and from the sound of it he’s out at least a year, compounding Utd’s midfield problems. I wouldn’t wish an injury like that on anyone (even Neville), and I hope he makes a complete recovery.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Akrasia and Pubs
Yesterday wasn't a good day. The death of my mobile phone (/alarm clock) led to me over-sleeping - or rather, waking ridiculously early as normal but not thinking of actually getting up due to lack of alarm - and missing a 9am lecture. Plus only 2 weeks after last having it mended, my bike got another puncture, which didn't help...
It was good news for my friend Nick, however, who was confirmed twice - in the sense of confirming his status as DPhil candidate in history and accepting the offer of a law conversion and job. Congratulations again (soon to be) Dr Nick!
I was planning to meet him down Cowley to celebrate with some other friends, but got detained somewhat in the Kings Arms after our Student Research Workshop - with the usual suspects plus Chris Brooke. Knowing I had to walk home, I intended to leave around 8:30. Note 'intended'...
Thankfully I didn't end up staying until midnight, as in 1st week. Unfortunately an inability to tear myself away from one pub (even to ultimately end up in another) seems to be a problem. I did pass up drinks, insisting I was moving on, but it was empty.
Me: I need to go soon.
Sarah: You always say that.
Me: Well, I will go soon...
It's like Aristotle's description of the akratic (weak-willed) man as someone who "has it [knowledge of what he should do] in such a way that having it is not knowing it, but only saying it in the way someone who is drunk recites verses of Empedocles" (NE Book 7)
Still, I did eventually get back to meet Nick and James in The Marsh Harrier, for a pint and packet of crisps dinner. Hopefully my bike will still be on Cowley Road when I return to take it to Beeline later today...
It was good news for my friend Nick, however, who was confirmed twice - in the sense of confirming his status as DPhil candidate in history and accepting the offer of a law conversion and job. Congratulations again (soon to be) Dr Nick!
I was planning to meet him down Cowley to celebrate with some other friends, but got detained somewhat in the Kings Arms after our Student Research Workshop - with the usual suspects plus Chris Brooke. Knowing I had to walk home, I intended to leave around 8:30. Note 'intended'...
Thankfully I didn't end up staying until midnight, as in 1st week. Unfortunately an inability to tear myself away from one pub (even to ultimately end up in another) seems to be a problem. I did pass up drinks, insisting I was moving on, but it was empty.
Me: I need to go soon.
Sarah: You always say that.
Me: Well, I will go soon...
It's like Aristotle's description of the akratic (weak-willed) man as someone who "has it [knowledge of what he should do] in such a way that having it is not knowing it, but only saying it in the way someone who is drunk recites verses of Empedocles" (NE Book 7)
Still, I did eventually get back to meet Nick and James in The Marsh Harrier, for a pint and packet of crisps dinner. Hopefully my bike will still be on Cowley Road when I return to take it to Beeline later today...
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Rights to Treatment
I haven't really followed the case of Ms Rogers in enough detail, but it seems a recent ruling has denied her the right to an expensive drug treatment for breast cancer on the NHS. (See here).
As I understand it, she claimed her 'right to life' was being violated. I'm somewhat sceptical of human rights, and the over inflation of any rights beyond fairly minimal levels. Nonetheless, I'll put this aside as best as I can. However, it seems to me either:
1) We all have rights to extensive medical treatment. In this case Ms Rogers does indeed have the right to the drug BUT it clashes with the rights of many other people who could be treated with the money. Therefore she has a right, but it's insufficient to determine that she should actually get the drug.
OR
2) A right is something stronger, so a right to X entails that one should be provided with X. But in this case the task for Ms Rogers is to demonstrate she does indeed have a right to this drug - and I don't find it particularly convincing to suppose she has a right to such expensive treatment at loss to many others.
Anyway, the judge declared it was not his position to say whether it would be better or not to provide the treatment - his role is simply to observe that the law is not arbitrary or irrational, and therefore does not violate the European Convention on Human Rights.
In passing, he likened regional autonomy to a 'postcode lottery'. Such criticisms are often made, and I think I'll have to address them at another point, since they give lotteries a bad name. The 'postcode lottery' isn't a lottery (unless postcodes were to be re-assigned to everyone randomly) - it doesn't give people equal chances, it merely discriminates on the basis of an arbitrary feature. One could therefore liken the 'postcode lottery' not to a fair lottery (e.g. the military draft), but rather to racism...
As I understand it, she claimed her 'right to life' was being violated. I'm somewhat sceptical of human rights, and the over inflation of any rights beyond fairly minimal levels. Nonetheless, I'll put this aside as best as I can. However, it seems to me either:
1) We all have rights to extensive medical treatment. In this case Ms Rogers does indeed have the right to the drug BUT it clashes with the rights of many other people who could be treated with the money. Therefore she has a right, but it's insufficient to determine that she should actually get the drug.
OR
2) A right is something stronger, so a right to X entails that one should be provided with X. But in this case the task for Ms Rogers is to demonstrate she does indeed have a right to this drug - and I don't find it particularly convincing to suppose she has a right to such expensive treatment at loss to many others.
Anyway, the judge declared it was not his position to say whether it would be better or not to provide the treatment - his role is simply to observe that the law is not arbitrary or irrational, and therefore does not violate the European Convention on Human Rights.
In passing, he likened regional autonomy to a 'postcode lottery'. Such criticisms are often made, and I think I'll have to address them at another point, since they give lotteries a bad name. The 'postcode lottery' isn't a lottery (unless postcodes were to be re-assigned to everyone randomly) - it doesn't give people equal chances, it merely discriminates on the basis of an arbitrary feature. One could therefore liken the 'postcode lottery' not to a fair lottery (e.g. the military draft), but rather to racism...
Brit Awards
I was seriously distressed to find James Blunt is now considered 'best British male solo artist' and Kaiser Chiefs are our best rock act (ok, they have some catchy singles, but they're hardly that rock) News here.
If I could be bothered, I'd write my own list, but that would require some thought. More thought than the actual judges put in anyway. All the winners were obvious choices, and might as well have been based on commercial sales.
If I could be bothered, I'd write my own list, but that would require some thought. More thought than the actual judges put in anyway. All the winners were obvious choices, and might as well have been based on commercial sales.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Free Speech and Bigotry
I am largely in sympathy with Ronald Dworkin’s views on free speech, bigotry and democracy (Guardian 14/02/06, p.32). The headline summary seems misleading though – free speech does have limits, e.g. libel or not shouting ‘fire’ in a crowded theatre being prominent examples, but Dworkin’s point was that accommodation of different cultures is not one of them.
In a society where people wish to be free to express their own opinions, they must tolerate a like liberty for others. A diversity of viewpoints almost necessitates that some people will be offended by the alleged truths and values others express, but this is a result of ineliminable cultural pluralism.
Dworkin is right, there is no ‘right not to be insulted or offended’, for people can seemingly be offended by anything. Indeed, in the present society Muslims are likely to be offended by anyone who suggests the Koran is not the word of the one true god, while followers of other religions are equally as likely to be offended by the suggestion that it is. If we were never to risk offending anyone, then we wouldn’t be able to say anything.
A tolerant society must accept expression of opinions it finds offensive – even for example racist ones. Once it does so, they can be exposed and defeated in reasonable public discourse. If those holding such views do not feel that their opinions have been heard, then they are all the more likely to resort to extremism and violence.
In a society where people wish to be free to express their own opinions, they must tolerate a like liberty for others. A diversity of viewpoints almost necessitates that some people will be offended by the alleged truths and values others express, but this is a result of ineliminable cultural pluralism.
Dworkin is right, there is no ‘right not to be insulted or offended’, for people can seemingly be offended by anything. Indeed, in the present society Muslims are likely to be offended by anyone who suggests the Koran is not the word of the one true god, while followers of other religions are equally as likely to be offended by the suggestion that it is. If we were never to risk offending anyone, then we wouldn’t be able to say anything.
A tolerant society must accept expression of opinions it finds offensive – even for example racist ones. Once it does so, they can be exposed and defeated in reasonable public discourse. If those holding such views do not feel that their opinions have been heard, then they are all the more likely to resort to extremism and violence.
Smoking Ban
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
The advantage of being single is being able to watch football in the pub on Valentines. We got great seats, and it was a great game – well, maybe only a good one for the neutral, but Liverpool were totally dominant.
Unfortunately wayward finishing from Morientes, combined with Lehmann’s good saves from Kewell, Fowler and Senderos(!), kept the score down. Indeed, when Gerrard’s penalty was saved, I thought it might not be our night. Gerrard and Cisse seem to trade penalty duties, with both having missed quite a few. I really thought it might’ve been a good chance for Robbie, even though he hasn’t scored for us yet. I’d like to see him taking the next one.
Anyway, Arsenal were anonymous. Veit asked where Pires was – I said ‘I think he’s on the bench’ while Tom thought he was injured. It says a lot that he was only shortly after subbed off. We hadn’t seen him influence the game at all!
The same couldn’t be said, however, for Garcia – who I’ve often thought of as our answer to Pires. Only on the pitch for a few minutes, he latched on as Lehmann was only able to parry Hamann’s shot, and put the ball in the net for a deserved late winner. While his inconsistency may be frustrating, he certainly knows where the goal is – he has a knack both of running into dangerous positions and scoring important goals. It’s good to have him back from injury, with our strikers generally mis-firing.
It’s a shame we weren’t able to produce a more convincing scoreline. On shots, we must’ve won about 20-2, even if many of ours were admittedly off-target. Arsenal, conversely, offered so little in attack that The Times even mis-identified our goalie as Carson rather than Dudek (penultimate paragraph).
Games are coming thick and fast now, but let’s hope we can take this form and some better finishing into the Man Utd and Benfica matches.
Unfortunately wayward finishing from Morientes, combined with Lehmann’s good saves from Kewell, Fowler and Senderos(!), kept the score down. Indeed, when Gerrard’s penalty was saved, I thought it might not be our night. Gerrard and Cisse seem to trade penalty duties, with both having missed quite a few. I really thought it might’ve been a good chance for Robbie, even though he hasn’t scored for us yet. I’d like to see him taking the next one.
Anyway, Arsenal were anonymous. Veit asked where Pires was – I said ‘I think he’s on the bench’ while Tom thought he was injured. It says a lot that he was only shortly after subbed off. We hadn’t seen him influence the game at all!
The same couldn’t be said, however, for Garcia – who I’ve often thought of as our answer to Pires. Only on the pitch for a few minutes, he latched on as Lehmann was only able to parry Hamann’s shot, and put the ball in the net for a deserved late winner. While his inconsistency may be frustrating, he certainly knows where the goal is – he has a knack both of running into dangerous positions and scoring important goals. It’s good to have him back from injury, with our strikers generally mis-firing.
It’s a shame we weren’t able to produce a more convincing scoreline. On shots, we must’ve won about 20-2, even if many of ours were admittedly off-target. Arsenal, conversely, offered so little in attack that The Times even mis-identified our goalie as Carson rather than Dudek (penultimate paragraph).
Games are coming thick and fast now, but let’s hope we can take this form and some better finishing into the Man Utd and Benfica matches.
If Music be the Food of Love...
I read the other day something about how music can trigger the same reactions in your brain as love. Probably much like how chocolate makes you feel good I guess. Maybe it explains why I don’t have a girlfriend and I listen to a lot of music…
Anyway, having been bored to tears by adverts for ‘Greatest Lovesongs Ever’ and so forth on TV lately (one including Take That’s ‘Back For Good’ – surely a song for an ex rather than current beau?) I thought I’d compile my own list:
‘Nice’ love songs
Apoptygma Berzerk – Love Never Dies (part 1)
Fleetwood Mac – You Make Loving Fun
Foo Fighters – Everlong
Nirvana – About A Girl
The Cure – Friday I’m In Love
Metallica – Nothing Else Matters
Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love
Not so nice (e.g. unrequited) ones
Nine Inch Nails – Perfect Drug (and so many others…)
Sunlounger – Dirty Hands, Dirty Face
Weezer – Pink Triangle
The Cure – Love Song
Bauhaus – The Passion Of Lovers
Head Automatica - Please Please Please
Some of those may be open to interpretation, but, well ‘meh’ to anyone who disagrees.
I’ll be taking advantage of my single status to watch Liverpool vs Arsenal in the pub tonight, but if I weren’t no doubt I’d be playing some of these.
Anyway, having been bored to tears by adverts for ‘Greatest Lovesongs Ever’ and so forth on TV lately (one including Take That’s ‘Back For Good’ – surely a song for an ex rather than current beau?) I thought I’d compile my own list:
‘Nice’ love songs
Apoptygma Berzerk – Love Never Dies (part 1)
Fleetwood Mac – You Make Loving Fun
Foo Fighters – Everlong
Nirvana – About A Girl
The Cure – Friday I’m In Love
Metallica – Nothing Else Matters
Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love
Not so nice (e.g. unrequited) ones
Nine Inch Nails – Perfect Drug (and so many others…)
Sunlounger – Dirty Hands, Dirty Face
Weezer – Pink Triangle
The Cure – Love Song
Bauhaus – The Passion Of Lovers
Head Automatica - Please Please Please
Some of those may be open to interpretation, but, well ‘meh’ to anyone who disagrees.
I’ll be taking advantage of my single status to watch Liverpool vs Arsenal in the pub tonight, but if I weren’t no doubt I’d be playing some of these.
Monday, February 13, 2006
How to Disagree
Thanks to Jerry Cohen for this.
Imagine a range of positions on some single dimension (e.g. left-right) issue, which we can number from 1 to 20. This is the usual pattern of disagreements:
X says: 13 is/represents the truth.
Y says: 15? You’re crazy. More like 7.
X says: You’ve mischaracterised my view as 17. It’s really 12. As for your view the truth is 5, that’s ridiculous…
Try it in long-running journal debates, e.g. the one between Jerry and Ronald Dworkin on expensive tastes. I think it’s amazingly accurate.
Imagine a range of positions on some single dimension (e.g. left-right) issue, which we can number from 1 to 20. This is the usual pattern of disagreements:
X says: 13 is/represents the truth.
Y says: 15? You’re crazy. More like 7.
X says: You’ve mischaracterised my view as 17. It’s really 12. As for your view the truth is 5, that’s ridiculous…
Try it in long-running journal debates, e.g. the one between Jerry and Ronald Dworkin on expensive tastes. I think it’s amazingly accurate.
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