Sunday, December 18, 2011

"Miracle on 34th Street"...bad logic?

Miracle on 34th Street

Bad logic, but a great story...Santa's authenticity is in doubt and winds up in a New York court. How do you prove with authority, accepted by all, of Santa's genuine status? The sharp attorney has the idea of making an appeal to authority. [That right there is an informal fallacy.] The lawyer appeals to an institution that we trust and consider a fountain of authority--the United States Government. Yes, the Unites States Government--ultimate sources of validity next to God. And what part of the government will offer credence. Why of course, the United States Postal Service. Why them? The vein of reasons is that millions of children send Santa letters and it is the function of the United States Post Office to deliver the same and in essence recognize Santa's postal address. Convoluted logic, but, nevertheless, concludes the authenticity of Santa by a bona fide branch of the United States Government. Case closed. Any questions? Before you ask, remember the "coal" threat.

All of this may be mute in a few years when the USPS vanishes.

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