There’s a well known phenomenon in psychology in which people have evolved to suspect that there’s some kind of actor behind every action. (Think of a rustling in the tall grass of the veldt. Wind or lion? 99% of the time it’s the wind, but anyone who foolishly assumes it’s really 100% won’t leave descendants.) Philosopher Daniel C. Dennett calls this attitude the “intentional stance” (the position that someone or something intends — and probably causes — whatever action or pattern you see), but I think that’s too opaque a phrase. I call it the “secret-agent theory”.
chris_weaver almost 7 years ago
Odds are he won’t live to see tomorrow.
Richard S Russell Premium Member almost 7 years ago
There’s a well known phenomenon in psychology in which people have evolved to suspect that there’s some kind of actor behind every action. (Think of a rustling in the tall grass of the veldt. Wind or lion? 99% of the time it’s the wind, but anyone who foolishly assumes it’s really 100% won’t leave descendants.) Philosopher Daniel C. Dennett calls this attitude the “intentional stance” (the position that someone or something intends — and probably causes — whatever action or pattern you see), but I think that’s too opaque a phrase. I call it the “secret-agent theory”.
David Rickard Premium Member almost 7 years ago
Sorry Ernie, you’re no Adolf Verloc…