How do we tell truths that might hurt? (1975)

Re:How do we tell truths that might hurt? (1975) by ThrowawayR2 on Wednesday October 14, 2020 @12:38PM (#24778598)

Tenured professors, particularly of EWD's stature, get a lot of license to say what they want. I can certainly a few of my instructors who were rather colorful in a variety of ways.

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Re:How do we tell truths that might hurt? (1975) by brundolf on Wednesday October 14, 2020 @12:41PM (#24778630)

I've no doubt they have license to do so without damaging their careers. That doesn't make it a good take.

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Re:How do we tell truths that might hurt? (1975) by _u9xp on Wednesday October 14, 2020 @12:50PM (#24778751)

Because it makes you uncomfortable? Or because you have reason to believe otherwise?

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Re:How do we tell truths that might hurt? (1975) by brundolf on Wednesday October 14, 2020 @01:27PM (#24779198)

Because any subjective assertion this narrow is going to be some amount of wrong.

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Re:How do we tell truths that might hurt? (1975) by dkarl on Wednesday October 14, 2020 @01:45PM (#24779382)

Dijkstra was obsessed with mathematical correctness and certainly knew it was pointless to pursue in human language speaking about complex topics. He wanted people to pay attention, and they did. I think it's a testament to the effectiveness of his writing, and proof that it was not merely inflammatory, that people still read him and debate his ideas today, when his ideas have as little mainstream acceptance as they ever had.

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