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I agree with the rest of your comment, but > pedantic quibbling over definitions that are typical of an individual suffering from Asperger's syndrome I don't

by Udik 6y ago

I agree with the rest of your comment, but > pedantic quibbling over definitions that are typical of an individual suffering from Asperger's syndrome I don't get why expressing (however unpopular) opinions based on rational arguments should be dismissed as "pedantic quibbling" caused by some underlying mental issue. Just consider how closed-minded, not to mention offensive, is to characterise opinions you disagree with as the product of a mental syndrome. Besides, Stallman's opinions are not about subtle points without practical consequences. The laws and language in the US (which are, by the way, NOT always shared by the rest of the advanced world) have very practical- sometimes terrible- consequences on people's lives. So I don't think it's fair to call it "pedantic quibbling".

Zuider 6y ago
Stallman was responding only to the accusations against his colleague and friend, the late Prof. Marvin Minsky, not making policy prescriptions. It is clear that he did not want to believe that Prof. Minsky was guilty, and he engaged in precisely that direct and unfiltered thinking aloud that can get people who are on the autistic spectrum into trouble.
- Udik 6y ago
  If that were the case, the "pedantic quibbling" would be exactly of the same sort that takes place every day in courts of justice- and it's at the base of our judicial system, as the right to defense from accusations. Stallman is using it to defend the reputation of a deceased friend, I think it has value. Anyway, there are many more statements by Stallman that caused outrage, and they are about morals and public policy. And he has the full right to hold and express opinions that go against that of the majority in his time and his country, without them being dismissed as the ramblings of someone suffering from a mental disorder.
  - Zuider 6y ago
    Noting that somebody has Asperger's syndrome is not an invitation to dismiss their words. Instead it provides context and insight into why they speak as they do, which furthers correct understanding of what they have said, and their motives for speaking.
    - Udik 6y ago
      I think they speak as they do for the same reasons of everyone else, i.e. because they believe it's right and relevant. If anything (my entirely intuitive, anecdotal take, for what it's worth) people with Asperger tend to be less conscious of social norms and therefore more capable of independent, original thought. Which would make their statements more valuable and less hypocritical.
      - Zuider 6y ago
        I agree with you, but given that hypocrisy, indirectness and dissimulation are the norm, an approach to speaking characterized by directness, literalness, and lack of guile can easily be misinterpreted, assigned false motives, or cause upset even if understood correctly.
        Udik 6y ago
        Ok. But then instead of trying to excuse Stallman by mentioning a possible cognitive disorder, it would make more sense to try to excuse the cancellers- after all they are those who misinterpret, assign motives without reason, and ultimately lack the ability to participate in a rational conversation.

by Udik 6y ago

Zuider 6y ago

Stallman was responding only to the accusations against his colleague and friend, the late Prof. Marvin Minsky, not making policy prescriptions. It is clear that he did not want to believe that Prof. Minsky was guilty, and he engaged in precisely that direct and unfiltered thinking aloud that can get people who are on the autistic spectrum into trouble.

Udik 6y ago
If that were the case, the "pedantic quibbling" would be exactly of the same sort that takes place every day in courts of justice- and it's at the base of our judicial system, as the right to defense from accusations. Stallman is using it to defend the reputation of a deceased friend, I think it has value. Anyway, there are many more statements by Stallman that caused outrage, and they are about morals and public policy. And he has the full right to hold and express opinions that go against that of the majority in his time and his country, without them being dismissed as the ramblings of someone suffering from a mental disorder.
- Zuider 6y ago
  Noting that somebody has Asperger's syndrome is not an invitation to dismiss their words. Instead it provides context and insight into why they speak as they do, which furthers correct understanding of what they have said, and their motives for speaking.
  - Udik 6y ago
    I think they speak as they do for the same reasons of everyone else, i.e. because they believe it's right and relevant. If anything (my entirely intuitive, anecdotal take, for what it's worth) people with Asperger tend to be less conscious of social norms and therefore more capable of independent, original thought. Which would make their statements more valuable and less hypocritical.
    - Zuider 6y ago
      I agree with you, but given that hypocrisy, indirectness and dissimulation are the norm, an approach to speaking characterized by directness, literalness, and lack of guile can easily be misinterpreted, assigned false motives, or cause upset even if understood correctly.
      - Udik 6y ago
        Ok. But then instead of trying to excuse Stallman by mentioning a possible cognitive disorder, it would make more sense to try to excuse the cancellers- after all they are those who misinterpret, assign motives without reason, and ultimately lack the ability to participate in a rational conversation.