No two minds perceive alike (close perhaps), so precise communication is impossible. mando
________________________________ From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Mon, August 2, 2010 11:55:22 AM Subject: Re: Penelope's Twelve Axe Handles, or, Why Does Error Occur? Like all of us, Michael, you -- er -- err in using the word 'error' without describing what you have in mind with the word. When Boris remarks, "What is an error for Cheerskep is not an error for me and v. verso," we all think we serviceably "get" what's on his mind, but in fact I hope I'd say "what I CALL an 'error'" rather than what "is" an error for me. Philosophically, this is not the mere quibble it may seem. When a theist asserts that he is not simply CALLING a certain act a "sin", it IS a sin, he feels he's making a "real" distinction. Now, Michael, you may try drafting a stipulative definition of 'error', but stipulation is not creation. Your effort would be no more than describing characteristics that would prompt you to CALL a belief or statement an error. Such an effort however, would be more creditable than using examples in the belief they prove your point when in fact they only beg the question. "Two plus two equals five is an error! If you can't see that, you can't see anything!" It's effective rhetoric, but it just avoids the needed point. (This is not to say your posting isn't interesting; it interests me a great deal, but this quick posting is addressing only a narrow -- though philosophically essential -- part of it.)
