March 14, 1998
Norman,
In the spirit of your original anecdote, I recount this incident,
with identities deleted.
I had occasion to comment on a paper at a regional conference while I
was a graduate student. The paper in question was by a relatively
young Polish philosopher of science (henceforth "BT"). After the paper
was presented and my comments were advanced, the usual type of
discussion ensued. I was troubled, however, in that BT's views had not
been as clearly explicated in the presentation as they were in the paper I
had read in preparation. As such, I asked a question concerning a
certain aspect of BT's view. In response to this question BT made it
abundantly clear that her view was a very radical sort of epistemological
relativism. What ensued can best be described as unfortunate. A local
philosopher of some repute stood up and proclaimed "I cannot believe that
you just said what you said in a room full of university educated people!"
From there he went on to make it clear that he considered the view being
espoused as nothing short of undiluted madness. After this, an awkward
silence crept across the room until someone, I do not recall whom, asked
a question so as to permit the discussion to continue. The philosopher
who was responsible for the unfortunate comments made was asked by
his chair, rather firmly if I recall, to apologize to BT who was, after all, a
visiting scholar in his very department.
For the sake of the feelings of those involved, I would prefer to
remain anonymous in connection to this story.
Note: the author's name and address have been withheld at his request. –Norman Swartz
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