Conversational AE (APPLIED EPISTEMOLOGY)

[Mick Harper]

There is a further AE lesson. [Further, Mick? Dream on.] The family I spend Christmas with always have at least one badly behaved dog, some years more than one. They have never had a well-behaved dog in our joint adult lives.

When I point out that a gentle smack on the snout would solve most of their--and for three days, my--problems, they invariably say, year after year, "How would you like a smack on your snout?"

[Mick Harper]

AE-ist: Will you take responsibility for this current prison early-release furore?
Punter: Certainly not. It is the policy of this Labour government, I'm a Tory MP.
AE-ist: Do you agree its basic cause is the lack of prison places?
Punter: Yes, it would appear so.
AE-ist: Do you agree that is mainly down to previous Tory governments?
Punter: It is the responsibility of governments of all colours over many years.
AE-ist: Do you take responsibility for Tory governments' contribution?
Punter: I couldn't say. It's too complex a matter to work out standing here, on the spot.
AE-ist: You don't feel you have been put 'on the spot'?
Punter: By no means.

[Mick Harper]

Punter: I' m only asking the question.
AE-ist: You are completely neutral on the matter?
Punter: More or less.
AE-ist: Less. You decided to raise the matter.
Punter: How is that relevant?
AE-ist: Of all the matters in all the world, you chose to raise that one.
Punter: Not at all, it happens to be topical.
AE-ist: Of all the topical matters in all the world, you chose to raise that one.
Punter: So what is my opinion? In your opinion.
AE-ist: You are taking the 'shameful' side. And in no uncertain terms.
Punter: Why do you say 'shameful'?
AE-ist: Because you were only asking the question.

[Pete Jones]

Taking the "shameful" side is the kneejerk reaction of contrarians and conspiracy-theory-enjoyers. Both types of people have to be shameless. Or, at least unconcerned with what others think is shameful and shocking.

I'm very much concerned and so tend to take the shameful side only in trusted company.

The shameful side is always the minority opinion. Except in a secret ballot situation. There, the shameful side can elect presidents, even shocking ones.

[Mick Harper]

AE-ist: How did you vote?
Punter: I can't remember now.