With Continual Reference to Justin Kahn.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Logic on the Fourth of July.

After posting about my new friends I headed over to the coffee shop. They were all there.

Teddy said, "I think we all know who Justin would say."

"Of course. Aristotle," said Mr. B.

Snickers from Smoky and Yogi.

"What's the question?" I asked.

"We were talking about all time greatest logicians."

"I have to say, my personal favorite is not Aristotle but Kurt Godel," I had to say.

"Rather ironic, that you would choose Kurt Godel as your favorite logician on the fourth of July. Don't you know the story about him..." said Smoky.

"I don't know much about him, but I've read his papers."

"Allow me to enlighten you with a story," said Smoky. "Einstein, was very protective of Godel. He personally helped Godel gain citzenship. When Einstein took Godel to the Judge to take his citzenship test, the judge asked if he affirmed that the constitution protected the individual's freedom. Godel explained that no he didn't believe that, and he had written up the Constitution in formal logic and could demonstrate that the constitution could be used to legally turn the United States into a dictatorship. Luckily, for Godel, Einstein intervened. Unfortunately for you, it seem like you couldn't have chosen a less patriotic logician."

"Riveting story," I said, rivetted.

A good group overall, but I have to say that Smoky really can be condescending. Still, I do enjoy the back and forth and look forward to endless discussion.

7 comments:

Nessa said...

Your group sounds very french. Are there lots of cigarette smoke? Are you allowed to smoke in coffee houses where you are? I heard nicotine helps the thinking process.

PS - I am a unique (bad) speller. Can I turn that into a virtue?

Justin said...

Some coffee houses allow smokin. Unfortunately, my new circle of intellectuals are highly flammable, and according to there instructions should not be exposed to heat, else they go up in flames. j.

Jenn said...

Teddy said, "I think we all know who Justin would say."

I object. Why does everyone always think they know what Justin will say? Because the truth is, no one EVER does.

I am sorry. A fling is a fling is a fling. Obviously no teddy would have my whole hearted adoration the way you do.

Jenn said...

Case in point I am now on page 393 of aforementioned practically inscrutable (I have to keep reading the endnotes to know what the fuck is going on)tome.

Just for you.

I mean to say, sheesh!

Mary Lois said...

Damn, I wish my circle of intellectual friends had come with instructions! I think I'll go to Toys 'R' Us and get some new ones.

Charlene Amsden said...

Justin, in college I worked in a library that was very near a mental health facility. I learned while working there that sometimes people cannot buy into my reality, and communication would go much more smoothly if I just bought into theirs.
It is amazing how handy that skill is here.

Mary Lois said...

Hmmm...I always pronounce the "t" in Margot.