Re: Epistemology 201: The Science of Science

From: Albert Wagner (albertwagner_at_cox.net)
Date: 03/20/05 

Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:52:21 -0600

Wolf Kirchmeir wrote:
> Albert Wagner wrote:
>
>> robert j. kolker wrote:
>>
>>>> You should really learn the definition of metaphysics, Bob.
>>>
>>> Metaphysics is the philosophy of being qua being. It is about what is
>>> real and what is not.
>>
>> So how do you account for this contradiction:
>>
>> "Mathematics is not metaphysical. It makes no claims to reality or the
>> nature of reality."
>
> What contradiction?
>
> Oh, I see, you believe that mathematics is about reality. That's your
> definition, I guess. That's all right, Albert, I don't mind.

You're a fucking idiot, Wolf. But it wouldn't be so obvious is
you actually read for comprehension. Bob doesn't see a
contradiction either, in that it was he who said:

"Mathematics is not metaphysical. It makes no claims to reality
or the nature of reality."

Followed shortly by:

"Metaphysics is the philosophy of being qua being. It is about
what is real and what is not." 

-- 
"I know that most men, including those at ease with
problems of the greatest complexity, can seldom
accept even the simplest and most obvious truth
if it be such as would oblige them to admit the falsity
of conclusions which they have delighted in explaining
to colleagues, which they have proudly taught to others,
and which they have woven, thread by thread,
into the fabric of their lives." -
	-- Tolstoy