cdfk@hplb.CSNET.UUCP (07/08/87)
As a so-far passive reader of the grounding problem debate via AIList Digest I have at last been spurred to action: For the proponents of a theory to be able to understand and discuss the positive, the negative and the intersting aspects of it is a sign of strength. For them to resort to personal name calling is not. However I do have sympathy with those who have now started to put the boot in. Especially with those who are tired of the language which is frequently unclear and suspiciously polysyllabic. A thought for those who honestly believe that an idea is wrong and the holder of it would be better off without it:- 1. It is much easier to change one's mind and throw away useless ideas if one has NOT been pushed to defend them tooth and nail. 2. Few ideas (or accepted theories) are completely correct. One can gain more by simply acknowledging that an idea has flaws than by trying to stretch it until it rips. Of course these anomolies might trigger new ideas. Caroline Knight