Tag Archive for 'philosophy'

Pragmatism

Published by dekay on October 19, 2005 in science. 0 Comments

Rather, pragmatism holds that it is only in the struggle of intelligent organisms with the surrounding environment that theories and data acquire significance. Pragmatism does not hold, however, that just anything that is useful or practical should be regarded as true, or anything that helps us to survive merely in the short-term; pragmatists argue that what should be taken as true is that which most contributes to the most human good over the longest course. In practice, this means that for pragmatists, theoretical claims should be tied to verification practices–i.e., that one should be able to make predictions and test them–and that ultimately the needs of humankind should guide the path of human inquiry.
(from Wikipedia[en])

Nach den Ansichten der Pragmatisten sollten sich alle Urteile, Anschauungen, Vorstellungen, Begriffe u.a. der handelnden Menschen als Regeln für das Tätigsein und das Verhalten erweisen. Aus der Haltung des Skeptizismus heraus, dass es dem Menschen nie glaubhaft gelungen sei, die Realität wirklich hinreichend so abzubilden, dass es zur Übereinstimmung mit der Realität gekommen sei, wird auch die bisherige Erkenntnis und das erkannte Wahre nur als Metapher betrachtet. Somit ist die Erkenntnis über die objektive Realität nicht in Übereinstimmung mit den darüber getroffenen Aussagen als Wahrheit aufzufassen, sondern nur aus der praktischen Nutzanwendung zu folgern. Damit wird das Kriterium der Wahrheit zum Kriterium der Nützlichkeit, des Nutzens, des Erfolges. James drückt diese Aussage über die Wahrheit so aus:
„Wahr ist das, was sich durch seine praktischen Konsequenzen bewährt.“
Oder mit anderen Worten (James):
„Eine Vorstellung ist wahr, solange es für unser Leben nützlich ist, sie zu glauben.“
(from Wikipedia[de])

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

Published by dekay on June 15, 2005 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Text of Commencement address by Steve Jobs @ Stanford.

Golden rules for tango followers - a leader’s perspective

Published by dekay on April 17, 2005 in tango. 1 Comment

I will try to collect some hints, rules and statements I believe are important for followers; at least I will cover things that I appreciate and seek in a good follower.

On good communication

These ideas are not about technique, they are not about style. These are the foundations we will need if we both want to have enjoyable dances. No matter which level we both are at.

Relax and do not think.

Do not try to think what I might have just lead or might want from you. If my lead is clear - do the step. If it is not do not do anything. This way I will adapt my lead and my vocabulary to a set we both can enjoy. This way we both will leave the floor with a better feeling, with a feeling of a dance that was enjoyable. Otherwise I will be annoyed by a follower who does “things on their own” and you will be irritated by unclear leads that put your mind at unease. Relax and do not think.

Do what you do.

Taking in mind the previous statement I require you to do what you feel you have been lead into. The steps come naturally when the elad is clear, so do not resist them because you are unsure if they are right. When you change weight, do so in time and fully. Do not hold back, fully commit to whatever you do. If there is a miscommunication, do not worry about it, I will adapt to it. It is my job to do so. It is yours to present me with constance, reliability so I can do mine.

Do not go into “Robot Mode”

Yes, you might have learned steps and figures, sequences of steps and figures. But you cannot expect I will lead them the same way, the same order. Just focus on the moment and the step that is. Not the step that was or the one that will be. Also do not do automatic steps. Watch for your automatisms and get rid of them. Do not “auto-cross”, do not do “hammer-crosses”, where you ram that leg into the cross no matter what the music and my lead is saying. Do not do steps in double speed “just because”. Please listen for my lead and do just that.

Adornos and Embellishments

When you are experienced enough (and fast enough) do small adornos, but never adornos that disturb the flow of movement, that disturb my possibilities for new leads. If you can do so and it fits the music, please go on. If you need time for a special adorno, signal me, show me you need time, you will get it, you will get any time you need. But be prepared to signal me with your body, and listen to my signals that there is time.

Anticipation

Do not anticipate movements or directions. Close your feet, do not lock your feet into a position that takes away half the possibilities for movement. You will be faster as well as more open to anything. There will be reverses of direction that you will never be able to anticipate - and you are taking away so many possibilities if you do so.