Elliotte Rusty Harold wrote:
Kenneth Downs wrote:
A content-free emotive statement.
It would be more accurate to say that it follows a set of principles
you do not share, namely, weak typing. We would expect you as a java
dude to prefer strong typing. Strong typing to me is inappropriate in
a web layer, and reduces my productivity. Is it insane? No, just
incompatible with my design goals and methods.
The issue is neither strong nor weak typing. The issue is the violation
of basic Aristotelian logic.
I confess I am somewhat confused by what you mean by
"violation of basic Aristotelian logic".
Aristotle argues (in 'On Interpretation') that a single assertion must
always either affirm or deny a single predicate of a single subject.
(cf: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-logic/#PreStrAss )
That is to say (according to Aristotle) assertions (apophanseis) are
either 'True' or 'Not True'.
That logic is the basis of two-valued first order predicate calculus.
(which is the fancy way of saying Boolean Algebra)
Michael Southwell says:
"these answers are exactly right, given that $a is an integer,
$b and $c are strings, and $d is unset..."
That is there are three possible states:
'True', 'Not True', and 'Undefined'
And,we are dealing with three-valued first order predicate calculus.
Now if you are saying Aristotelian logic doesn't apply here,
then I would heartily agree.
But if you are saying Aristotelian logic should apply here
then I don't understand how you get to that conclusion.
--
T. Gales & Associates
'Helping People Connect with Technology'
http://www.tgaconnect.com
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