wedrifid comments on A sense of logic - Less Wrong

13 Post author: NancyLebovitz 10 December 2010 06:19PM

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Comment author: wedrifid 13 December 2010 11:49:52AM 2 points [-]

But then should it not say "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created politically equal ..."?

But they weren't. People had to fight damn hard to gain political equality, such as it is! How about "I say people deserve political equality!"? :P

Comment author: Jack 13 December 2010 12:10:31PM 7 points [-]

I think the right way to interpret most 'declarations' is as illocutionary acts. Jefferson is basically saying "If you try to deny us political equality, these enumerated rights and the freedom to start our own nation we're going to shoot you with these here muskets."

Comment author: wedrifid 13 December 2010 12:42:42PM 2 points [-]

Jefferson is basically saying "If you try to deny us political equality, these enumerated rights and the freedom to start our own nation we're going to shoot you with these here muskets."

Or... "Look at me! Look at me! I'm saying catchy slogans that elicit positive political sentiment. Let me be the boss! Me!"

Comment author: NancyLebovitz 15 December 2010 11:37:14AM 4 points [-]

To be fair, it's not an entirely empty political slogan. He's offering to set up a system where he'll have a chance at being in charge, but there will be some limits on how much in charge he will be.

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