Re: Torkel Franzén is dead

George Dance wrote:

It's a matter of record that Torkel believed some people lacked the
ability to understand even propositional logic

If Torkel declared the above insipid (pointless) assertion, then he
would be exhibiting that shortcoming itself. (So that is the case or
you have misspoken.) Even the most cursory examination of the
possibility of its being false (i.e. that all people have the ability
to understand propositional logic) shows the absurdity of any serious
discussion of its truthfulness. It is a woefully informal statement in
the realm of cognitive psychology, rather than mathematical logic.

Again we see the psychological influence in Torkel's posts.

and trying to do so
would only confuse them.

More personal insults. *sigh*

(according to his correspondents) he would discuss the subject with
some, and refuse to do that with others - and that the difference seems
to correlate with the PhD/non-PhD distinction.

Oh no! (Note earlier analysis of the absurdity of such discussions.)

That opens up the question: Were there fans of Torkel who admired him
not for his vicious personal attacks but rather for his grasp of
mathematical logic? Am I alone?

I thought when he was rude it was generally deserved,

When you lie with dogs, you are a dog.

And similarly, the claim that Torkel never treated anyone unfairly can
be pinned on the claimant's feelings, as well - which makes all the
testimony equally unreliable. (Unless that, is you also believe in two
types of people - those capable of reasoning logically, and those
forced by lack of ability to 'think' with their feelings - and
arbitrarily assign Torkel's admirers and detractors to the opposing
camps on that basis; but that sounds completely arbitrary and ad hoc to
me).

That this is a dichotomy is a popular misconception. It is not a lack
of Logic but rather the use of a different system of values that
separates these two groups. What does each individual value? Learning
and understanding Mathematical Logic? Or building up the reputation of
people with whom one has developed an emotional bond?

C-B

.

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