From: gts (gts@optexinc.com)
Date: Mon Sep 02 2002 - 20:26:48 MDT
Hello Lee,
> gts writes
>
> > > > Can you give me an example of human action for which
> there was no
> > > > motivation?
> > >
> > > Easy. I looked down just now and noticed that my ankles are
> > > crossed as I type. I don't remember putting them that way.
> > > I think it's a habit.
> >
> > I think you crossed your ankles because you were motivated to
> > feel more comfortable.
>
>
> This is precisely the same misuse of the English language that
> animates your takes on altruism. Your pattern of thinking in
> these two cases is to lay down uninteresting novel definitions
> and axioms, and then draw a lot of unwarranted conclusions.
I hope you can see how bizarre the exchange above appears.
I concluded that you crossed your ankles while sitting at your computer
in order to make yourself feel more comfortable, and you call that an
"unwarranted conclusion" and a "misuse of language."??
Come on now, Lee. I also like to cross my legs (or sometimes my ankles)
while sitting here at my computer. I'm not always conscious of my
decisions to switch positions but there is no question that I do so
because it makes me feel comfortable. I shift positions probably every 5
or 10 minutes or so, simply because my legs get stiff oriented in the
same position, or for some similar reason. Ultimately I do so simply
because it makes me feel more comfortable.
I'm sure most people change positions while sitting for same reason.
Sometimes sitting with one's feet flat on the floor is just not as
comfortable as sitting with one's legs or ankles crossed. I find it hard
to believe that you all that different from me or most people.
> I could use the dictionary's definition of "motivation", which
> specifies psychological processes ("Something that motivates; an
> inducement or incentive").
Sure, that's a fine definition. We cross our ankles occasionally because
we have a natural incentive to feel comfortable. We humans seek to
reduce physical stress and increase physical comfort, because doing so
is life-promoting. An "unwarranted conclusion?" Hardly.
-gts
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