BS, why does it matter?

It seems that sometimes discussions in our class move into the territory of BS. Just what is BS? It's when a person's aim is primarily to impress and persuade their audiences. Bullshitters are interested solely in advancing their own agendas. You may be asking me, "is this a joke?" No. Philosopher Professor Harry Frankfurt from Princeton wrote a short book titled "On Bullshit." Here's a link for an interview with him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1RO93OS0Sk (don't forget to watch "Part 2")

So why does it matter if people BS? While liars need to know the truth to better conceal it, bullshitters have no use for the truth. Thus, Frankfurt claims, "...bullshit is a greater enemy of the truth than lies are," (Frankfurt 61).

Our culture is littered with BSer's. That's why it's important that we as academics do our research. Then we can present the best information to our students, peers, and professors that can be used and passed down to the next generation. How can you fight it? Call people on it. Don't allow for it in discussions or in class. And do your research so you will know when a person is bullshitting.

A portion of this text was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Bullshit

Symphony No. 4 Score

Fellow Ivesians,

I know that it is Wednesday, perhaps late for a call to arms, but I am unable to locate a score for Ives' 4th Symphony. The only one in our library is gone, and imslp.org does not have one on file. If you have it, would you please return it to the library so other students may see the score before class today.

Cheers,

John