Re: US Presidents; an outside view WAS: Any comments? (Evolution - was Answers to Pete)


docdwarf@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

Using the stick does not add value _to_the_stick_.

Repetition does not make for greater validity of argument, Mr Plinston.

Well, actually, it was not merely a repition, the underscores indicated
additional words to clarify the position.

In that the stick, when used as a crutch for people who can then garner
more food for themselves and their tribe, has an increased utility or
importance than does a stick which has only the attributes of kindling,
then it has by definition more value (http://www.m-w.com/value, 3)

Which seems to be a mere repition in the hope of obtaining greater
validity.

It may well be that a particular size of stick that is strong enough
may be more valuable than one that is just a twig only useful for
kindling, but sticking a piece of kindling under your arm does not make
it strong enough.

It may well be also that a person may be more valuable when mobile then
when crippled.

Using a book does not add value _to_the_book_.

In that a book can serve to transmit entertainment, information or
education by its use (ie, by its being read) then it has greater utility
or importance than does a book which can only be used as tinder; given
that 'relative worth, utility or importance' is a definition of value (see
citing above) then the conclusion applies.

But reading a book does not make blank pages into entertainment. The
_printing_ of a book adds value to the paper, the reading of it makes
no difference to the book, except wear and tear.

Mr Plinston, you seem to be equating price and value here; it might be
that we are using different definitions. I've cited the one that I feel
is applicable to the situation and its source; might you be so kind as to
cite the one you are using and where you found it?

You should take that up with Howard who was the one who put numbers of
dollars to his book.

.