This is my blog for posting material of academic interest (to me). Expect to see stuff about Greek and Roman history, archaeology, Classical literature, the Ancient Near East, historical films, teaching, the reception of the Classics in science fiction, the abuse of history, science fiction criticism, Doctor Who, and occasionally other historical stuff, or just things that I'm interested in. Expect spoilers at all times.
Monday, May 08, 2006
I appear to have been flamed
Hmm.
Predictably, I suppose, it's on the King Arthur post.
Obviously, I'd better not say what I think of the Sarmatian theories either :-) In fact, I no longer enter into any debate about the period, as it seems to bring out the worst in some people (criticism of people's pet theories are not allowed y'know!). However, it doesn't stop me being rude about KA as it's just a bad film all round, never mind the Sarmatian business.
In some ways it's quite fascinating how the whole Artorius/Sarmatians bit reveals people's inability to follow processes of logical argument and the rules of evidence. If you believe in the Sarmatian connection, and that Artorius is the 'original' of Arthur, it's quite likely that he had some association the the Sarmatians. But you have to establish the two propositions independently. Instead, people take the conclusion from the propositions, and use it as a reason to believe the propositions, despite the lack of actual evidence.
And yes, you get no thanks from some quarters for pointing out that the King has no clothes on.
4 comments:
I admire your patience in politely replying to that post. I'd have deleted the flamer. :)
They wren't quite rude enough to warrant deletion. If they come back, then that may well be their fate.
Obviously, I'd better not say what I think of the Sarmatian theories either :-) In fact, I no longer enter into any debate about the period, as it seems to bring out the worst in some people (criticism of people's pet theories are not allowed y'know!). However, it doesn't stop me being rude about KA as it's just a bad film all round, never mind the Sarmatian business.
In some ways it's quite fascinating how the whole Artorius/Sarmatians bit reveals people's inability to follow processes of logical argument and the rules of evidence. If you believe in the Sarmatian connection, and that Artorius is the 'original' of Arthur, it's quite likely that he had some association the the Sarmatians. But you have to establish the two propositions independently. Instead, people take the conclusion from the propositions, and use it as a reason to believe the propositions, despite the lack of actual evidence.
And yes, you get no thanks from some quarters for pointing out that the King has no clothes on.
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