Platonism

Saw this letter to the editor in New “Scientist”.

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Research has shown that if you show two dogs an unequal treat, they know and react with anxiety. So isn’t basic morality hardwired in some species? Wouldn’t we be one of these? As soon as we appreciate quantity, we acquire the rudiments of morality, in other words what is fair and unfair.

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Classic example of Platonism. Scientists start with math instead of OBSERVATION, and never depart from math. Quantum quackery comes from this math-first, math-always approach.

Anyone who has been around dogs knows from long experience that dogs are strongly moral. They know who’s a friend and who’s an enemy, and always try to help friends. They try to advise us when we’re doing something stupid. Morality has very little connection with quantity, and certainly doesn’t suddenly arise after we appreciate quantity. There’s no way to symbolize friends or helping or advising in math.

Carver told us to pay attention to OBSERVED REALITY first and always.

LOOK ABOUT YOU.
TAKE HOLD OF THE THINGS THAT ARE HERE.
TALK TO THEM.
LET THEM TALK TO YOU.