I swear to christ, the next asshole that almost hits me on a marked crosswalk that I have the right-of-way on (and I’m not talking about jumping into traffic, I wait my turn and then start to cross when it looks clear but people come out of nowhere), and who then gives me a dirty look – I’m coming through the window to bitchslap you with my dirty shoe. I know mistakes happen, but when I do something like that I at least wave and say I’m sorry if my window is down. You almost killed me you jerk, at least look slightly contrite!! Jesus! —Roadkill
This article appears in Aug 4-10, 2011.
out of nowhere????
I looove when people say “out of nowhere”. No such a place exists. If you’re crossing at a point which you can’t see around or corner or something, cross somewhere else. I know some drivers are inattentive but you need to be responsible for your own life as well.
THE PROBLEM OF “OTHER MINDS”
I think we can tease a philosophical core, so to speak, out of this bitch. The Bitcher is asking the motorist who nearly ran him down in the pedestrian crosswalk to at least “just pretend” that he was sorry. But how would the Bitcher KNOW that the mororist was just pretending or that the motorist was, in fact, genuinely sorry? In other words, how would the Bitcher have accurate knowledge of the motorist’s mental states? In philosophy, this is called the problem of the knowledge of “Other Minds.”
The obvious problem with the knowledge of Other Minds is that its content is not the object of sense perception. One’s knowledge of natural objects, for example, is clearly derived from one’s sense impressions of those objects. Take one’s knowledge of a table standing in the middle of a room. One can see the table and one can feel it. On that basis, that of one’s sense impressions, one can say that one has knowledge of the table’s existence. (Of course, some might dispute this on the grounds that the table is not simply one homogeneous object existing in space but rather a collocation of atoms existing in the void and, in fact has no substance at all as we understand it. But this is a topic for another time.) But, clearly, the Bitcher’s knowledge of the motorist’s mental states is not of this sort. Of what sort, then, it it?
My hypothesis is that the Bitcher’s knowledge of the motorist’s mental states is not empirically demonstrable, that it is not knowledge based on sensory impressions or even on quantitative measurement generally conceived. How does one measure moods? Further, a third party, for example, might interpret the motorist’s expression entirely differently from that of the Bitcher. No, what we have here is a case of tacit knowledge, that unspecifiable substratum of all our noetic acts. We have knowledge of the motorist’s mental states, in other words, in the same way that we immediately recognize the physiognomy of, for example, one’s brother in a crowd. We would be unable to specify just how we do it but, nonetheless, we claim that our knowledge of our brother’s face is certain. We would not be liable to mistake the physiognomy of our brother, for example, for that of our sister. You do understand this, don’t you?
So there you go. The Bitcher has knowledge of the motorist’s mental states by means of his (the Bitcher’s) feat of tacit inference.
Next problem please.
A pleasure as always.
Cheerio!
as a lifelong pedestrian who’s crossed a lot of streets, I highly recommend looking ALL ways before crossing. with enough practice, you can usually spot any idiot who’s not paying attention before your foot comes off the sidewalk.
Through the window? Do you dematerialize? Maybe that explains how people come out of nowhere.
its amazing how many pedestrians NEVER make eye contact with a driver before stepping in front of a 6000lb machine.
Montrealman tl:dr also, you’re nuts.
To the rest of you – Yeah yeah, blame me. LIKE I SAID – I look before I start to cross. Let me add – I MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH ANYONE I SEE ON THE ROAD BEFORE I CROSS. What I’m refering to frequently happens when I’m crossing a street or driveway into a mall that other cars can turn into. I look for cars, start to cross, but then someone who was in the straight lane decides they want to turn and cuts across traffic without looking if anyone is crossing the street and almost hits me – so to me they came out of nowhere. You jerks sound like exactly the type of people I’m talking about. You aim your 2000lb death machine at 150lb pedestrians and then get pissed that we almost got our brains smeared across your headlights. You guys can SUCK IT.
well I know I haven’t had this issue very much…
two, three times in the last 7 years… and up until about a year ago, I was walking everywhere.. including to work.
the only consistent factor in this scenario is…. y o u…
perhaps you can have HRM look into the new alternative for this problem you’re repeatedly facing.
http://bigfunbigfun.com/wp-content/uploads…
Maybe you don’t walk through Clayton Park/BLIP zZz, so maybe you don’t have very few pedestrians so drivers forget to even think about them, and maybe you don’t have assholes trying to cut across traffic to get to Tim’s like I do, so maybe once again IT’S NOT MY FAULT. And I didn’t say it happens every day.
Also, see above re: suck it.
fine fine.. though why the hell are you walking through the blip?
man, it’s not designed for a stroll… there’s barely any sidewalks FFS.
I was walking downtown halifax… round universities with crazy out of towner students that can’t drive for shit… through spring garden…. round the bar district….
walking in BLIP is just asking for it.
I’ll suck it alright…
suck it long, and suck it hard
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/lac…
Blip=Bayers Lake Industrial Park, I get it now.
I don’t envy pedestrians these days with all those jackass drivers and their texting. I know crossing lanes in Burnside, you need to keep your head on a swivel.
Keep your head up, elo277 and watch for those “Other Minds”.
RSVPs
: elocin277 (Aug. 8, 2:14PM) – “tl:dr”?
: Troondonk (6:34PM) – Yes, it’s true, one must always be on the lookout for those “Other Minds.”
A pleasure as always.
Cheerio!
Dear MM,
It means – Too Long Didn’t Read
Love,
Donk.
Gee annie, I thought that solipsists don’t believe in any “other minds”.
But first we must ask, what is a mind? What does having a mind entail? Does annie even have half of one?
pick your time and crosswalk o.p., i’ll do my best to get a hummer for that day, just for you
you should take off your tights and uggs so the motorists notice you for Zeus’s sake.
and another piece of advice. Leave Dartmouth.
ahah cute sign off name !
RSVPs
: Donk (Aug. 8, 8:20PM) – Thanks Donk. But did you see his crack about me being “crazy”? I was going to ask his to expand on the concept but his mindless abbreviation gave me the answer. He is just not able. As an example of “Other Minds” elocin is a disappointment. He’s a buffoon.
: The Turd (9:08PM) – “But first we must ask, what is a mind? What does having a mind entail?”
An excelent question Turd. You’re getting the style. Now, here’s your chance. Explore the concept of “Mind” or risk falling to the level of “elocin,” i.e., a buffoon.
A pleasure as always.
Cheerio!
Frig Sméagol….
http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2009/1…
My post was an ironic statement on the sophomoric (or should I say sophomoronic) level of your philosophical process.
Sometimes…..
http://thebsreport.wordpress.com/2009/11/0…
Other times, it’s painful…
http://zeekeekee.files.wordpress.com/2009/…
Today, I feel like the cat….
http://thedemotivators.com/wp-content/uplo…
RSVPs
: The Turd (Aug/ 9, 10:33AM) – Ah well, I suspected it would be too much for your intelligence.
Time now to join “elocin,” the buffoon. He’s more your type of guy.
A pleasurse as always.
Cheerio!
Not, ‘too much’ for my intelligence, just ‘not worthy’.
I left such childish methodology behind, years ago.
Montrealman – you call me a buffoon but aren’t smart enough to realize that elocin is Nicole backwards and that I am not a guy. So yeah, I don’t read your typed masturbation – you can stroke yourself, thanks.
And isosceles_kramer – since when is Bayers Lake in Dartmouth?
Idiots.
I knew it, I knew it….elocin277 is a cop =)
http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_li1bqyLW…
If you want a bit of fun, get him to prove his superior intellect, lol.
You have a masculine avatar elocin277. That threw monsieur I’m sure. It threw me.
That’s too bad that it’s Nicole spelled backwards as I am a big ELO fan. They were a big British pop group that reached their pinnacle in the 1970s with such hits as “evil woman”,”turn to stone”. They were fronted by Jeff Lynne who also was a part of the Travellin’ Wilburys along with George Harrison, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison. ELO= Electric Light Orchestra. But indeed, I digress.
troodon4 – I think that this album, would have made a good Rock-Opera.
http://www.sheilaomalley.com/archives/ELO-…
ELO -one of the greatest underrated bands of all time.
And since when has vanilla ice been considered ‘masculine’? jk;)
RSVPs
: The Turd (Aug 9, 5:11PM) – “I left such childish methodology behind years ago.”
Really? Two points: Can you explain (a) just why my methodology is “childish?” and (b) what, exactly, does the “adult” methodology you have now adopted look like? Take your time. Think it over.
: elocin (Aug 14, 6:58AM) – My God, Nicole, is that right? Your pseudonym is your real name spelt backward? Very cunning, Nicole, very cunning.
But Nicole, if you don’t read my “typed masturbation” as you claim, how is it that you are responding to it now? Doesn’t that strike you as a bit, um, self-contradictory, Nicole?
Write back with your thoughts, Nicole. Help me to understand how this is not self-contradictory. Take your time, Nicole. Perhaps you can join forces with The Turd who is also working on his reply as well. Good luck, Nicole.
A pleasure as always.
Cheerio!
5 days, and that your best shot? phbt
You should acquaint youself with ‘logic flow’, far superior to ‘first we must ask, just what is?’
love elo and the traveling wobblies-that’s what we call them. one of my faves http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JneNPaqx58
RSVPs
: troondon4 (10:04AM) – I was suprised to read about your knowledge of different bands which I have always asscociated with those having the mental age of nine. You assert that some bands are better than others. Any chance of indicating objective criteria or is it all “subjective” which, of course, is like saying there are no such criteria at all. That is why I returned to this thread and who do I see? The Turd! What a downer. Don’t be like him. Don’t dodge the question.
: The Turd (10:44AM)- Stop dodging the questions, Turd. But okay, now’s your chance. Acquaint us with your “logic flow.” We’re waiting. We’re watching. Don’t dodge this question as well.
A pleasure as always.
Cheerio!
You’re correct Monsieur, it is all subjective. There is no criteria when it comes to enjoying music as far I am concerned. I like most types. Music brings back memories, I associate certain tunes with certain events in my life. It tickles my soul.
I cannot rationalize music anymore than I can rationalize dancing. Some groups I like more than others generally speaking but it’s not because they’re better artists, it’s because they suit me better. Why? Life experience, what my parents listened to, what was playing during important events in my life etc. who knows.
Your “mental age of nine” comment tells me your not into the rock/pop genres. How did you arrive at that age? Curious.
What do you like to kick back and listen to Monsieur?
Logic flow refers to the decision making process where you choose what actions to take under what circumstances.
Someone said “Ask aphilosopher for a definition of infinity, you’ll probably get some unintelligible rigmarole, but no answer or definition that has any meaning.”
—————————————
Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don’t criticize
What you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is rapidly agin’.
– Bob Dylan
Does it mean this, does it mean that, that’s all anybody wants to know. Fuck them, darling. I say what any decent poet would say if you dared ask him to analyse his work: If you see it, dear, then it’s there. – Freddie Mercury
RSVPs
:Troondonk4 (Aug 14, 9:38PM)
Thanks for the reply. It is true that I am not into the “rock/pop genres” which, for the most part, I consider just noise. While I am not musically inclined when I do “kick back” my choice is classical in general and Bach in particular.
: The Turd (11:48PM) – If your “logic flow” consists of “the decision making process where you choose what action to take under what circumstances,” the question then arises as the the content of that “decision-making process” which itself, of course, need not be logical. If it is not logical then the definition, by definition, is itself illogical and therefore lacks force. But, of course, your “logical flow” is not really “logic” in the formal or Aristotelian sense but rather “informal” logic which is really just shorthand for “judgement.” The question then devolves to that concerning the nature of such judgement which, however, is passed by.
The Dylan piece maintains that inter-generational understanding is impossible, but how did he know this? Was he using informal logic or was his claim simply baseless opinion? Grounds please!
The Freddie Mercury quote reduces to the the incoherent claim that you’re right if you think you are. But how did Freddie know that? Was he in receipt of some intuitive deliverance from some higher realm? Give grounds, Freddie, give grounds!
Mark: C+ (for effort)
A pleasure as always.
Cheerio!
freddie is dead monsieur
Lolz, your argument “lacks force”, and you comprehension still leaves a lot to be desired.
Maybe someday, you’ll actually figure what ‘logic’ is. How about infinity?
But still, I’ll give you a F, for F-fort.
You don’t even know who Freddie Mercury was, do you. He was one of the greatest voices/composers of modern times.
You’d do well to expand your horizons there Montremoleman, but that would require an open mind, something you don’t have, too bad.
“Was he in receipt of some intuitive deliverance from some higher realm?” – Yes, as a matter of fact, he was.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsB4a–WRTs
RSVPs
: Paingirl (Aug. 15, 12:50 PM) – Well, Freddy is dead. It’s our common lot you know, so his present condition does not sanctify him. He must still explain himself. Is there still time to send a card?
: The Turd (11:05PM) – Of course your charges – my argument “lacks force” and my comprehension “still leaves a lot to be desired” – are, as usual, given without supporting reasons. You are clearly without philsosophy, which is not an idle charge because it means, in effect, you have no mind. Forget your fatuous question about “infinity.” It was a “category mistake” in respect to which I will not bore the readers by explaining at the present time.
Now I think I’ll go and listen to a little Bach,
A pleasure as always.
Cheerio!
Johann Sebastion Bach. You might be interested Monsieur in the news that a movie is being made on the life story of the German composer. Arnold Schwartzenegger has taken a strong interest in the lead role. He recently tweeted the producers of the film stating “I’ll be Bach”!
and again, I’m a cat
http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivation…
Too bad annie, that you are incapable of even the most basic understanding of my world. Sad really ;(
My point was, how can your argument have any validity when you are incapable of the very concept you are arguing about? Logic.
I’m talking about practical logic, you know, actually changing the lightbulb, not whether or not it has actually stopped providing light.
RSVPs
: troondon4 (Aug 15, 5;57PM) – Sorry Troon, but I never go to movies. I associate those who do as having a mental age of ten.
: The Turd (Aug 16, 12:26AM) – Yes, I realized that you were a pragmatic mechanist (cf. the lightbulb) from minute one for whom philosophy in general and logic in particular will forever remain a “foreign country”. (I include quotation marks so that you will know that I am speaking metaphorically.)
A pleasure as always.
Cheerio!