Re: MD Personal Report on MoQ Conference

From: ian glendinning (psybertron@gmail.com)
Date: Mon Jul 18 2005 - 10:34:24 BST

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    David, I too discovered (and already ordered !) the Cocteau Orphee trilogy.

    What I couldn't recall (with certainty) was specifically which film
    title to which Bob had referred. Did you note it ?

    Ian

    On 7/18/05, David Buchanan <DBuchanan@classicalradio.org> wrote:
    > Dear Ian and Mati, Mark and Erin and all civil, movie-loving MOQers:
    >
    > Ian said:
    > I also thought your paper, and the emotional connection you made with
    > Bob, on the Orphic mythology, was the most significant moment in the
    > conference.
    >
    > dmb says:
    > Bob did a little research and sent word that Cocteau's film is now available
    > on DVD. Its a trilogy, actually. Naturally, all three films are already on
    > their way to my mailbox. (Netflix has it.) They should arrive tomorrow or
    > the next day, although I'm almost afraid to watch them. I'd like to be able
    > to walk out when its over, if you know what I mean. But I'll most certainly
    > watch it anyway. No, I'm gonna study it. As you might imagine, I don't give
    > a damn about any other movie right now.
    >
    > In the "Moment of Civility" thread, Ian said to Mati:
    >
    > It's a fine but important line between mis-directed sarcasm and
    > ironic, barbed wit.
    >
    > There is also an element of familiarity breeding contempt between old
    > sparring partners knocking lumps out of each other, which may often be
    > lost on newcomers.
    >
    > Many a true word spoken in jest, and in our striving to be
    > intellectual (something Paul also posted on) I hope we don't forget we
    > are biological, social, human animals too. No humanity without
    > humour. Sarcasm we can do without - except in frustrated extremis -
    > Platt for example :-) - only joking.
    >
    > Politeness is anything but fun, but respect is essential.
    >
    > dmb says:
    > I suppose civility and sarcasm both have their places. I think real the
    > danger lurking behind either extreme is censorship. Too much heat will tend
    > to shut people up, but so will too much restraint. Take the exchange between
    > Mark and Erin, for example. As I see it, Mark knows how to make a case and
    > he knows how to criticize those who can't or won't make a case in return.
    > "Arrogant" is just what you call a guy that makes you feel stupid and I
    > think Erin just wants to stop feeling stupid. She wants the criticism to
    > stop so she pretends its Mark's fault that Platt can't make a case, as if
    > this were some character flaw on Mark's part. That's ridiculous. Erin acts
    > as if the MOQ had nothing to say about politics or religion and all views
    > are equally valid within it. That view is simply incorrect. And if you think
    > otherwise, then make your case. I haven't seen one yet, but that's probably
    > because it CAN'T be made.
    >
    > One can't avoid criticism in a philosophical forum such as this by simply
    > insulting the critic or making emotional appeals about hurt feelings. One
    > can make a case or not. You put up or shut up. You can actually address and
    > answer the criticism or simply whine about it. Which do you think is gonna
    > fly around here? Duh! That's all we can do. I think its that simple. I also
    > think its completely unreasonable to expect that heated debate and
    > passionate arguments can be avoided here. And what a bore it would be even
    > if we could.
    >
    > Show me a guy who steps into a boxing ring and then complains when the other
    > guy takes a swing at him and I'll show you a guy who has no idea what he's
    > gotten himself into. If you can't take a punch, take up another sport. Don't
    > get in the ring. But for god's sake don't ruin the game for the rest of us.
    >
    > And no, I'm not suggesting that anyone be asked to leave. I'm just saying
    > that it has to be accepted or rejected for what it is. This is an
    > intellectual forum and as such anything or anyone that interferes with our
    > ability to be open, honest and direct in our exchanges is our enemy.
    > Sometimes that is going to mean that people get upset. So what? We're all
    > adults here and metaphysics ain't for children. Can we agree on that?
    > Personally, I have loads of respect for my enemies. If I'm on your back
    > constantly, its a good bet that I take you quite seriously. (Isn't that so,
    > Matt?) If I only attacked those who seemed philosophically weak and
    > unpersuasive, then I would merely be a cowardly bully and not a boxer in a
    > real fight. Right?
    >
    > Oddly perhaps, I think the calls for politeness and civility are usually a
    > call for self-censorship. I think its a way of asking your opponent to throw
    > the fight, take a dive or otherwise corrupt the game. Not always. I'm not
    > saying that nobody has ever crossed the line or that there's anything wrong
    > with being nice, but usually calls for civility just looks like emotionally
    > manipulative bullshit. Usually it comes from those who are far too concerned
    > with their own hurt feelings and who wants to put that concern over and
    > above the substance of the matter.
    >
    > Oooops. Gotta go.
    >
    > dmb
    >
    >
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