What is outdated
is not asking what is true and what is just,
but viewing science…relegating it
to the status of unlegitimated learning, half knowledge…

The question, “What is your argument worth, what is your proof worth?”
is so much a part of the pragmatics of scientific knowledge
that is what assures the transformation of the addressee
of a given argument and proof
into the sender of a new argument and proof —
thereby assuring the renewal of the scientific discourse
and replacement of each generation of scientists.
Science develops – and no one will deny that it develops –
by developing this question.
And this question, as it develops, leads to the following question,
that is to say, meta-question, the question of legitimacy:

“What is your ‘what is it worth?’ worth?”

excerpt, The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge
by Jean-François Lyotard p. 54

Was yesterday one the last mild days of Fall?  I chose to spend part of my afternoon seated on the ground, seated against the trunk of a maple tree on the front lawn of the old Court House in Geneva.  The tree is a comfortable support for my back, and a fine vantage point for “people watching” the passersby on 3rd Street.

I read these words written by Lyotard in 1979.  The description is a philosophy of science meditation.  The words are a consideration of the never-ending quest for legitimation, the driving engine of science.  The scientist is interrogated by members of the scientific community to show evidence and to present argument of his/her view of “reality.”  As the scientist “shows his/her work” they gain expertise of making argument using the language of their field of science, and of course mathematics, the language of measurement.  They become skilled at showing their work by practice.  The switch of position comes from that of addressee, to the one who interrogates, who is asking to be shown the “proof.”

I have no doubt this method, this practice is the very heart and soul of science, of much that is to be praised, and is worth saving of our civilization.  I am deeply disturbed, to know that the president, who will soon leave office, and his administration have systematically denied this very ground and basis of science.  The motivation of this mafia-like band is to preserve and enhance their power by remaining loyal to the desires and demands of their leader, no matter how irrational, unjust, or absent of evidence.

In the midst of a pandemic, hospitalizations increasing exponentially, and the attendant deaths — there is no guarantee that the promised vaccine will actually be delivered in the states and cities in the amounts that have been promised.  Offhand lying has been the past practice of these incompetents who will occupy the White House until January 20, 2021.

So here we are in the last days of an administration which denies climate change that has earned the consensus agreement of climatologists, not to speak of recent wild fires and severe weather events that have devastated parts of this country.  I sat under the Maple and viewed the scaled up rendition of HOPE which the village of Geneva has installed on the lawn.  Certainly the purpose is to hearten the residents to do all they can possibly do to remain healthy.  The merchants too, need to be reminded every day that covid-19 will end.

I rested under my tree observing the darkened back side of “HOPE.”  I took a photo with my phone.  A few minutes later while I walked down third street I turned and took another photo of the bright front side of the sign.

Which version of “HOPE” will we experience in the months to come?  That depends in part upon ourselves, upon our behavior, upon good will, and maybe our willingness to forgive.  The future depends in degree upon factors outside of our control.

I remember my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Kelly, viewing my work on a math exercise sheet.  Mrs. Kelly said to me, “always show your work.”