Platt,
Sorry to butt in to your conversation but I just wanted to make a quick
point.
You wrote:
...I've been busy trying to persuade those who say "there are no absolutes"
or "truth depends on context" that they commit philosophical and
logical hari kari.
I believe you have bought into the (very common) rhetorical fallacy often
refered to as "the fallacy of self-inclusion". In a nutshell, the fallacy
is the uinsupported assertion that rules must address themselves. There is
nothing (logically) wrong with saying "there are no absolutes" because what
the statement really means is "there are no absolutes other than the fact
that there are no absolutes".... or with your other example "all truths
other than this one depend on context and this truth applies to all
contexts"....
Unfortunately I'm bit rushed now, otherwise I'd elaborate more.
I recommend that you consult a book on rhetoric or everyday argumentation
for more on the fallacy of self-inclusion.
Rick
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