Sunday, October 17, 2004
Short Answer Question 5. Due 10/18, 9am.
Due date : Monday, 18 October 2004, 09:00 AM (1 day 12 hours)
Maximum grade : 2
Compose a 400-500 word essay on the following topic:
What happens when theory and evidence collide in international politics?
A curious thing happens when Theory and Evidence collide in International Pontiacs. If it is a minor collision, they pull over to the side of the road, gingerly, step out and inspect the damage from a few paces back, not saying anything at first. After a discreet interval, Theory breaks the silence and says, “You know, there are all kinds of ways we could explain this. Perhaps a small animal ran out into the road in front of you, and you swerved and hit me. Or perhaps there was an icy patch on the asphalt that caused one or the other of us to temporarily lose control. It could also be that the lines are painted poorly, and that caused us to collide.” There is another short pause, the two of them scratch their heads and crouch down near the fenders to get a closer look, and Evidence counters, “Yes, I suppose we could accept any of those explanations. But we both know they are not true. I can smell your breath, sir, I can see the stumbling way you have been walking, and furthermore, I see several empty bottles on your passenger’s seat. The fact is, Mr. Theory, you are impaired.” They may argue for a while after this, and Theory may make some half-hearted arguments in his own defense, but it is clear who is right in this situation.
So Evidence, with a clear head, prevails, and the law comes to take Theory away for correction and improvement, to make him a better and more responsible person.
If it is a major collision, on the other hand, there is a chance that one of the two may not survive. Theory might be thrown from the car by the force of Evidence, mangled beyond recognition, never to be heard from again, and another would have to take his place. Or it might happen that the friends of Theory come to his rescue and hide the body of Evidence before it should be discovered. In any case, it is easier for everyone when Theory and Evidence can coexist and support each other, but this obviously cannot always be the way it is.
*the best part about this essay is that i actually handed it in, exactly how it's printed here. am i cool or what?
Due date : Monday, 18 October 2004, 09:00 AM (1 day 12 hours)
Maximum grade : 2
Compose a 400-500 word essay on the following topic:
What happens when theory and evidence collide in international politics?
A curious thing happens when Theory and Evidence collide in International Pontiacs. If it is a minor collision, they pull over to the side of the road, gingerly, step out and inspect the damage from a few paces back, not saying anything at first. After a discreet interval, Theory breaks the silence and says, “You know, there are all kinds of ways we could explain this. Perhaps a small animal ran out into the road in front of you, and you swerved and hit me. Or perhaps there was an icy patch on the asphalt that caused one or the other of us to temporarily lose control. It could also be that the lines are painted poorly, and that caused us to collide.” There is another short pause, the two of them scratch their heads and crouch down near the fenders to get a closer look, and Evidence counters, “Yes, I suppose we could accept any of those explanations. But we both know they are not true. I can smell your breath, sir, I can see the stumbling way you have been walking, and furthermore, I see several empty bottles on your passenger’s seat. The fact is, Mr. Theory, you are impaired.” They may argue for a while after this, and Theory may make some half-hearted arguments in his own defense, but it is clear who is right in this situation.
So Evidence, with a clear head, prevails, and the law comes to take Theory away for correction and improvement, to make him a better and more responsible person.
If it is a major collision, on the other hand, there is a chance that one of the two may not survive. Theory might be thrown from the car by the force of Evidence, mangled beyond recognition, never to be heard from again, and another would have to take his place. Or it might happen that the friends of Theory come to his rescue and hide the body of Evidence before it should be discovered. In any case, it is easier for everyone when Theory and Evidence can coexist and support each other, but this obviously cannot always be the way it is.
*the best part about this essay is that i actually handed it in, exactly how it's printed here. am i cool or what?
