Recent thinking about an old 'thought experiment' ...

If we could create an absolutely identical copy, prefectly identical right down to the sub-atomic level, of a famous artwork, say the Mona Lisa, would it have the same value?

My initial answer to this was "no", but I struggled to answer 'why?'. Recently I formulated an answer to why: "Because Leonardo Da Vinci, in the example, never touched the copy".

Then I realised that this has some interesting implications. First, that the history is part of the value, and this is not just about antiquity. We feel some sort of connection across time back to the artist.

Secondly, it addresses why we struggle with the value of an artwork (in any genre) when we later discover that the artist has some very bad skeletons in their closet. (Not applicable to Leonardo, as far as I know). So when a popular arts-person (think Woody Allen, Rolf Harris, Mel Gibson, et al ) faces accusations, then suddenly their previously acclaimed work is usually also consigned to ignominy. It's because we somehow feel an intrinsic link between the value of the work and the person of the artist.

I may not be breaking any new ground here, but it was an "a ha!" moment for me.

#art #philosophy #psychology

So let me get this ... (after the arrest of Tate, following his Greta misadventure) ...

*now* ppl worried that "influencers" are perhaps not all lovely, caring souls with only the best of interests of others at heart? Only now?

#Greta #FFS #TheInternet #youtube #JustSaying

I once created a heated debate by suggesting, and defending, the idea that we do not pass criminal laws to change behaviour. We pass criminal law to punish 'bad' behaviour. I still think that this idea has merit.

I'm not saying that it is wrong to do so, but I'd like us, and our legislators, to be honest about what is going on, and recognise that making or keeping some prohibition, or increasing penalties in a knee-jerk reaction wont prevent it from happening. (see abortion and drug laws.)

Did any bank-robber ever think: "Well, I was going to rob this bank, but now I remember ... it's against the law! So I wont."

#auspol #philosophy #australia

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-29/qld-more-severe-criminal-penalties-emma-lovell-stabbing/101814696

Home page of #ABCNews (Australia) right now: "The National Basketball League is playing a match on Christmas Day for the first time this year ..."

Well, yes, it would be, wouldn't it? 😁

#syntax #Australia #journalism

Food for thought on CW use.

NB I am not saying "don't use them", and I don't think the article is saying that either. (If nothing else it's focussed on academic settings.)
I have occaisionally used CWs, and will continue to do so.
#mastadon #triggerwarnings #mods

https://theconversation.com/proceed-with-caution-the-trouble-with-trigger-warnings-192598

I'm feeling very nautical today, after I "went aloft to retrieve a damaged main-staysail halyard-block."

arrh, that I did! me 'earty, that I did.

#sailing

I sure hope the days keep getting longer. What's that? today? Solstice? nooo!

oh. well. ... happy solstice to all the pagans and others that celebrate. 😀
#sailing #solstice

Me as a house occupier:
"Something wrong with the toilet? I'm not touching that, call a plumber."

Me as a boat owner:
"Something wrong with the toilet? I'll just strip it down to its smallest components, repair and rebuild it. I'll need 2 screwdrivers, a spanner, some hose clamps and lots of disinfectant hand cleaner. Oh, and better get the porta-potty out of its storage locker. "

😀

#sailing #BoatingLife

Once upon a time I lived in a house, had a job, and owned a car. I often used to think: "Man I wish I lived on a boat. I could sit back all day taking it easy."

Now I live on a boat, and I sometimes think: "Man, I wish I lived in a house and owned a car. I could sit back all day taking it easy."

The latter does not happen as often as the former used to, but it still makes me chuckle at myself sometimes.

#sailing #solosailing