It seems as though someone with a vendetta against Fontana Labs could easily collaborate with R. P. Atkinson to reveal the truth of his identity, provided that he did not blanket the Internets with hundreds of e-mails of this kind.
Ten bucks says the guy took an introductory course in philosophy, probably philosophy of religion, where the course was designed to present one argument for and one argument against each position, and Mr. Atkinson took that to mean that real philosopher sit around having no beliefs about truth and that it would JUST BE SO SIMPLE if they talked to him.
in a declining community any citizen who retains respect for the truth must become alienated from the majority of his fellow citizens because they hate the truth. Inevitably I could only ever be a social outcast
I remain too busy to post today at websites of this type.
Posted by John Emerson | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 8:18 AM
He seems to have a rather messianic view of philosophy -- I thought it was supposed to discover truth, not reveal it.
Wait. I just actually looked at the words. Dis-cover, un-cover, reveal... blah.
Posted by Adam Kotsko | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 8:20 AM
As a neophyte can you explain to me if this guy is onto something or is simply playing with words?
To me he seems to be saying "Accept my premise (or definitions) and then I can take you where I want."
But what do I know.
Posted by Tripp | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 8:41 AM
I just like how his bio starts in the 3rd person and shifts into the 1st person a pragraph later...
Posted by mike d | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 8:45 AM
[redacted]
Posted by [redacted] | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 8:50 AM
I am now stupider for having visited Mr. Atkinson's website. Thank you for helping me dispose of my excess neurons.
Posted by Alex S. | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 9:23 AM
You can measure the speed of light with a microwave oven and some marshmallows. But I don't think that refutes modern physics.
Posted by Brad DeLong | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 9:27 AM
You can also light a fire with a coke can and a chocolate bar.
Take that, Immanuel Kant!
Posted by baa | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 9:41 AM
Labs, did you receive this email in your capacity as blogger or as professor?
Posted by ben wolfson | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 9:44 AM
It seems as though someone with a vendetta against Fontana Labs could easily collaborate with R. P. Atkinson to reveal the truth of his identity, provided that he did not blanket the Internets with hundreds of e-mails of this kind.
Posted by Adam Kotsko | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 9:56 AM
Ten bucks says the guy took an introductory course in philosophy, probably philosophy of religion, where the course was designed to present one argument for and one argument against each position, and Mr. Atkinson took that to mean that real philosopher sit around having no beliefs about truth and that it would JUST BE SO SIMPLE if they talked to him.
Posted by Cala | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 10:19 AM
gold!
in a declining community any citizen who retains respect for the truth must become alienated from the majority of his fellow citizens because they hate the truth. Inevitably I could only ever be a social outcast
Posted by Michael | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 11:39 AM
I like it that philosophy will be replaced by phlsphy. This stuff got promise!
Posted by ogmb | Link to this comment | 08-15-05 10:57 PM
Song: Life Story video keno heard that voice before It sounded vaguely familiar but he couldnt .
Posted by Yahir Houston | Link to this comment | 01-25-06 3:33 AM