Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Paper Philosophy
Boy, some people can certainly do more with less!
David Brooks wrote an article in the New York Times of a mere 808 words that has certainly triggered a lot more in response. It didn't help that an editor slapped the title "The End of Philosophy" on it.
John Wilkins has gathered links to a number of the criticisms (as well as contributing his own cogent portion to the count). But to show how much Brooks stepped into the proverbial dog leavings, it's not just the elitist, academic leftists like Wilkins, PZ and Brian Leiter who have heaped scorn on Brooks' effort, but the Discoveryless Institute's own David Klinghoffer as well.
I suspect Brooks had some inklings of good (or, at least, acceptable) ideas struggling to come out of his word processor. Unfortunately, they didn't struggle hard enough ... and then they got mugged by his ideology.
The object lesson should be: Don't tell philosophers they should be out of work ... their knives are long and well-honed.
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There's some additional criticism by Massimo Pigliucci at Rationally Speaking and Teleprompter at Avert Your Eye
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You might also mention to the provost that he ought not to turn his back on a philosopher as no one can ever tell when one of them might discover a new and absolute argument for justifiable mayhem.
Thanks for linking to my review. I think that is the only time I have been listed next to Massimo Pigliucci. I hope it wasn't too much trouble.
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