Mike Scoles wrote:
> Should we dismiss any *logical* argument from such a person? If a racist says
> that 2+2 = 4, should we say, "I've got to question that because you are an evil
> person."? Russell's counter to Pascal's wager would have merit, even if it
> originated with Hitler. To say otherwise is exactly what characterizes an ad
> hominem argument.
We are discussing ethical/moral truth arguments and yes, I would dismiss an
argument made by Hitler about ethics or moral truths.
Perhaps, I missed the logic of Russell's argument that was based on a hypothesis
of a what an ultimate being might think in a hypothetical situation and then the
hypothetical result for human beings.
The quote was (to refresh folks memories): suppose God values intellectual
honesty above all else (a what-if statement - we don't know if there is a God or
that he/she values intellectual or any other form of honesty let alone above all
else) and that he has given us shoddy evidence of His existence (a what-if built
upon the previous what-if assumes that any evidence has been given or chosen to
have been given) and is planning to damn to hell (an assumption that this place
even exists - not even found in the Torah) all those who believe in Him only for
the sake of the glittering prizes (another what-if built solely upon the previous
two and excludes all those who believe but for other reasons besides the
glittering prizes or in addition to the glittering prizes).
I'm afraid I fail to see the similarity in logic to 2+2=4
I do see an argument related to intellectual honesty in relation to a topic
connected to issues of ethics and morals. And, this is the point where I start
looking at who wrote the statement. Clearly, a mathematical equation is not a
moral or ethical statement.
>
> > If Shockey's work was in the area of ethics or race relations, I would be
> > very concerned.
>
> Concerned about what? Using computers? (Stephen's point--not to be confused
> with Steven's Point.)
To clarify: if a racist is making policy or ethical statements about race
relations I would be concerned.
linda
--
linda m. woolf, ph.d.
associate professor - psychology
webster university
main webpage: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/
Holocaust and genocide studies pages:
http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/holocaust.html
womens' pages: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/women.html
gerontology pages: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/gero.html
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