From: MW

To: Editor

Date: 05 Nov 2004

 

Just saying thanks for all your work on Database Debunkings. I especially loved the SlashDot quote you published today (regarding 2VL).  I am curious to know what 'Tony-A' feels we can formally infer from that which is not assertable.  I bet you anything this guy is a programmer.  I work primarily in database architecture and yet my formal education is in Economics.  And let me tell you, I have the worst time with programmers!  Are computer science departments not teaching basic logic anymore?

 

I thought also (in the sad wake of the election) I would send you the following quote from one of my heros, Bertrand Russell.

 

"Men fear thought as they fear nothing else on earth -- more than ruin -- more even than death.... Thought is subversive and revolutionary, destructive and terrible, thought is merciless to privilege, established institutions, and comfortable habit. Thought looks into the pit of hell and is not afraid. Thought is great and swift and free, the light of the world, and the chief glory of man."

 

I am only 31 years old and so may lack some of the perspective that comes with age, but it seems to me that this country is on its way down.  It has been said that fear is the parent of cruelty (it is the parent of many other things, I imagine).  And yet this is what we teach: fear. We do not teach people how to think critically.  We do not teach compassion. We do not foster a desire for understanding.  You can't build a society worth living in like that.  I am very worried for us all.

 

Lastly, I had the pleasure of attending one Chris Date's lectures a while back and, along with giving kudos to you and dbdebunk, he mentioned something called the TransRelational™ Model by Required Technologies.  I have had some difficulty getting any additional information on this.  Their website is very poor.  Are you at all familiar with what they've done?  If so, could you share with me anything about it?

 

 

From: Fabian Pascal

To: MW

 

Probably. No, they don't teach any logic, and it shows.

 

Russell's stuff is always good.

 

You got it. I've been saying this for years. This is Rome on its last legs.

 

In my PRACTICAL DATABASE FOUNDATIONS paper #8, The Final NULL in the Coffin, I give a brief description of the concept behind it.

 

 

Ed. Note: See also A Note on the TransRelational™ Model.

 

 

Posted 1/28/05