What a wonderful post Tanja. Syllogisms have been replaced by slogans! The change in communication tools has obviously made a huge difference and shortcuts applied are certain to lead to misunderstanding. I did enjoy your cunning syllogism with your daughter when she was going to the party. Top and clever work! Your conclusions reminded me that it is never wrong to ask a good question which is very hard to do when we feel upset or annoyed. Life seems to be becoming more difficult and now we are throwing in AI. What could go wrong??
Thank you so much, Reuben. Your comment made me smile (and sigh in recognition).
Yes, slogans seem to have replaced syllogisms… and nuance left the room shortly after. It’s both fascinating and slightly terrifying to witness how shortcuts in language are becoming shortcuts in thinking.
I’m glad you enjoyed the story with my daughter — that one still makes me chuckle. She saw through me, of course, but I still claim it as a minor philosophical victory.
You’re absolutely right: asking a good question — especially when emotions are high — takes real courage. It’s often the harder path, but it’s also the only one that leaves room for something new to emerge.
And as for AI… well, you said it best. What could possibly go wrong?
Let’s just say I’m keeping both eyes open — and one eyebrow slightly raised.
What a wonderful post Tanja. Syllogisms have been replaced by slogans! The change in communication tools has obviously made a huge difference and shortcuts applied are certain to lead to misunderstanding. I did enjoy your cunning syllogism with your daughter when she was going to the party. Top and clever work! Your conclusions reminded me that it is never wrong to ask a good question which is very hard to do when we feel upset or annoyed. Life seems to be becoming more difficult and now we are throwing in AI. What could go wrong??
Thank you so much, Reuben. Your comment made me smile (and sigh in recognition).
Yes, slogans seem to have replaced syllogisms… and nuance left the room shortly after. It’s both fascinating and slightly terrifying to witness how shortcuts in language are becoming shortcuts in thinking.
I’m glad you enjoyed the story with my daughter — that one still makes me chuckle. She saw through me, of course, but I still claim it as a minor philosophical victory.
You’re absolutely right: asking a good question — especially when emotions are high — takes real courage. It’s often the harder path, but it’s also the only one that leaves room for something new to emerge.
And as for AI… well, you said it best. What could possibly go wrong?
Let’s just say I’m keeping both eyes open — and one eyebrow slightly raised.