From: Mark Steven Heyman (markheyman@infoproconsulting.com)
Date: Mon Jun 28 2004 - 01:27:37 BST
Hi Dan and all,
dan:
I don't know if you ever saw Monty Python but they used to do a skit
with Spam, the kind you eat, not the unwanted email we all receive.
The reply line reminded me of the song Spam Spam Spam Spam. It was
meant to be a joke, hope you didn't take it too seriously. If I could
have added music the joke might have worked better.
msh:
I love Monty Python! I should have remembered.
dan:
If I said to you, Mark, let's assume pigs can fly. Let's discuss how
high. Would you find that to be a discussion you wanted to partake
in? Would it be worth your while pondering?
msh says:
I think there's a clear difference between your assumption and mine,
which was simplified to make a point, something that occurs commonly
in thought experiments, and argument in general.
dan:
I'm not denying race is a social concept. I think it is. But I think
the MOQ would say it's also a biological concept.
msh says:
Right. But very different concepts using the same word, always a
major source of confusion in discussion, and, in this case, providing
a chance for racists to claim scientific credibility for their views.
Again, this is why most scientists, including physical and social
scientists, eschew the word.
Yours, from the Department of Silly Walks,
Mark
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