March 11, 1998
Philosophy as a Blood Sport – A Confession
I am afraid to say that I have been guilty of being
overly aggressive. However, some time ago, I learned
an important lesson. I retell the following with a
feeling of genuine shame.
A number of years ago, I attended an interdisciplinary conference.
During a series of papers a young psychologist was describing a
computer model he had been working on. The model didn't work
particularly well and in many ways failed to meet many of the required
standards of such research. However, the fellow nonetheless went on to
make a number of substantial claims about human cognitive function, on
the basis of his model. This made my blood boil and during the question
period I unleashed a vicious attack upon the fellow. To my horror,
rather than try to respond to my objections, the fellow caved in.
Rapidly he appeared to come close to tears and began to apologize to
the audience for wasting their time. I have never felt so ashamed in
my entire life.
I learned from this experience. I now have a policy of trying to leave
a dignified escape for a person whose research I have difficulties
with. Although (in my estimation) the poor guy's research was not very
good, he was trying. I had been needlessly vicious and hurt someone.
After the paper was over, I went and tried to reassure the fellow, but
it came out as hollow. The lesson I learned was that a philosophically
trained mind can be a dangerous weapon which can be used for both good
and ill. Nowadays, I save vicious assaults for those who unfairly
victimize the helpless. In all other circumstances, I tread with
caution.
Note: the author's name and address have been withheld at his
request. --Norman Swartz
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