Rendering Unto Caesar: Academic Dysfunction‏

[sophia_sadek]

One of the pivotal moments in human history occurred when an Italian mathematician published a polemical essay implying that everything known at the time was wrong. It was such a powerful work that it was ruthlessly suppressed by the people most at risk of falling out of favor in the eyes of the populace. Although clergy were clearly caught in

Comments

[yes_justice]

One of our students described his experience with the idea of a drinking problem. His partner had a problem with his alcohol consumption habit despite the fact that it did not interfere with his professional work. Because his partner had a problem, he had a problem. He and his partner engaged a number of professionals over the issue. Those on the despotic side of the divide favored his partner's position. Those on the liberal side favored his position.

An insufferable drunk? Those liberals didn't have to live with him/her. My parents (one set) had some problems drinking. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

This antagonism was not resolved after the despotic camp was forced to ratchet down its position on homosexuality.

When did this happen? Because, uh, nigeria.

The despotic camp see a problem with immigration where aliens take resources away from natives.

Except for manifest destiny.

This is presuming I understood the references to aristotle, galileo, the church, etc.

[sophia_sadek]

I cannot comment on the level of alcohol use by our student, only on his interaction with the social service sector.

The antagonism over homosexuality was resolved in the American academy when psychologists dropped their position on homosexuality as a pathology. It happened in the seventies. At the time, the psychologists objected to the cross-disciplinary term "social psychology."

I was once corrected by a conservative when I referred to indigenous Americans as Native Americans. He said that they do not qualify as Native Americans because they are Indians.

You got the Greek and the Italian right. You did not peg the Hungarian.

[telemann]

An insufferable drunk? Those liberals didn't have to live with him/her. My parents (one set) had some problems drinking. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Yeah, I read this HONY posting today (photographs of folks taken around New York City, and the photographer Brandon shares their story:

[yes_justice]

The only thing more disgusting than a ragey violent drunk parent beating on you is a stinky sorrowful drunk, all weepy and apologetic for the beating they just dished out. Hung over and cranky is no fun either. Parenting and hangovers don't mix.

[peamasii]

The Hungarian maverick would be Imre Lakatos, best known for his paradigm requiring predictive power in scientific hypotheses?

[sophia_sadek]

I do not know if he is an innovator when it comes to the predictive aspect of scientific theories. I like the way he points out the non-predictive aspect of pseudoscience. It is fascinating to see how many times medicine has fallen down in its predictive capacities. One of the worst cases is the prediction that psychosis is degenerative and unrecoverable. That "understanding" proved to be true only as long as psychotics remained under medical care.

He is not the Hungarian I was thinking of, but I am glad that you pointed him out.

[fizzyland]

What is this post even about? I keep turning my head sideways and seeing if that will make it understandable but so far, no bueno.

[dexeron]

[telemann]

I feel bad. I didn't get the Goa'uld reference. :/

WoW character. lol

[the_rukh]

Looks like a Stargate reference actually. I think the guy in the picture might be from one of them stargate shows too.

[dexeron]

I'm sorry, but I can't follow what this post is about at all. I can't read through the euphemisms and pronouns.

What Italian mathematician? What essay?

What Greek chauvinist? What Macedonian despot? What does their "authority" have to do with the aforementioned Italian?

What Hungarian? What work?

What semantics, and what argument between sociology and psychology?

Who are these homophobic despots? Who are these homosexual liberals?

What rhetoric, and when was it "ratcheted down?"

What professionals disagree on alcohol consumption and whether it is a disease? Which are despots, and which are liberal?

WHAT ACADEMY?

[yes_justice]

[kylinrouge]

It all makes sense if you take a hit of LSD before reading.

[oportet]

Seems like there's a slight disagreement on abortion...sure would be nice to hear some thoughts on it and settle things....

[sophia_sadek]

Some folks are hoping for a technical solution that obviates the need for intrusive abortions. The RU-486 had some promise, but it has a very short window of efficacy.

There was a time when simple prophylactics were illegal in most (if not all) states. Like the issue of homosexuality, the issue of abortion has its roots in religious intolerance.

It might be helpful if the despots in Rome ratcheted down their hostility toward contraception devices. I would welcome some spiritual leadership that is more sympathetic with poor women.