High seriousness? The ontological proof of the existence of a perfect
camera? Hah!
Collingwood is on my 'must get there soon' list - thanks for the
reminder. It's got to be better than attempting to read Kant anyway.
Recently my wife bought me a book of essays by Harry Frankfurt
because it contained his essay 'On Bullshit.' She seemed to think it
would appeal to me - not sure why. :) Very enjoyable and after
digesting it I turned to the rest of the book. Couldn't even
understand the preface. A very sobering experience..
My favourite story on the ontological proof is that of Bertrand
Russell being struck by the utter perfection of it, while halfway
across a bridge in Dublin. Apparently the realisation virtually
paralysed him for some time. I believe there is a plaque on the
bridge to mark the event.
Andrew Fildes
afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
On 11/03/2007, at 1:16 PM, Joel Wilcox wrote:
> Understandable. I slipped up on you when you were in a spate of High
> Seriousness (which I enjoyed, and that possibly makes two of us,
> though I can never be sure about you).
>
> Your discussion of the Ontological Proof reminded me of a book that I
> must dig out of my boxes. I wonder if you know it? R.G.
> Collingwood's "Essay on Philosophical Method." He had a provocative
> statement about Kant and the Proof -- something like "Kant was the
> only thinker who had actually understood the proof who went on to
> reject it." I liked his prose style quite a bit. Very fine thinker
> who flew somewhat in the face of his times.
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