Letters to the Editor
Tauranga
Published Letters: 2
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Wait, Wait, I Have An Opinion
[Read the article: Was this review helpful to you?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I appreciate reviews that issue praise reluctantly. That undertone of disgruntlement has a pleasing tone of authenticity. It's hard to believe jingoistic reviews -- though I recall writing one or two myself in the rosy honeymoon of new gadget ownership. Looking back I would have added a few caveats. I don't think that reviews should function as evangelism, admitting no flaws; rather they should be like your grumpy father-in-law talking about used cars. Curmudgeons (carmudgeons?) serve a purpose online as digital Cassandras. I know I pay more attention to perceived flaws than trumpeted features. Problems are *useful* to know. Enthusiasm is merely participatory.
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Surprised If Anyone Reads This
[Read the article: The atheist delusion]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]...but I'm happy to chime in anyway.
What's instructional for me in any discussion about religion vs. science is the way that argument is structured. There are more varieties of arguments, and fallacies, and appeals to X, Y and Z here than in many public debates. While my own position was decided long ago -- largely emotionally, I might add -- I can always add a new arrow to my quiver after reflecting the discourse.