[118951] in Cypherpunks
Re: Essay: Freedom On A Leash (fwd)
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Jim Choate)
Mon Oct 11 08:39:42 1999
From: Jim Choate <ravage@EINSTEIN.ssz.com>
Message-Id: <199910111238.HAA17314@einstein.ssz.com>
To: cypherpunks@EINSTEIN.ssz.com
Date: Mon, 11 Oct 1999 07:38:41 -0500 (CDT)
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Reply-To: Jim Choate <ravage@EINSTEIN.ssz.com>
----- Forwarded message from Sean Roach -----
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 1999 23:03:33 -0500
From: Sean Roach <roach_s@mail.intplsrv.net>
Subject: CDR: Re: Essay: Freedom On A Leash
I prefer to refer to the former as a rule. My understanding of
science has always stated that laws are immutable, so the former
cannot be a law. Rules have exceptions, and can be broken.
I do, however, have the bad habit of saying 'can', when I mean
'may'.
----- End of forwarded message from Sean Roach -----
Nothing is immutable in science, a 'law' simply means it's been around so
long and it's been subjected to a minimal number of exceptions. To be really
honest everything is a hypothesis, it's just a question of how strongly you
trust it.
The distinction between 'can' and 'may' is nil, they both have a component
of voluntary actions or alternate choice implicit in their definition.
"You can run that red light." (implies possibility, not immutability)
"You may run that red light." (ditto)
"You shall run that red light." (no choice here bubba)
____________________________________________________________________
The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full
of passionate intensity.
W.B. Yeats
The Armadillo Group ,::////;::-. James Choate
Austin, Tx /:'///// ``::>/|/ ravage@ssz.com
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