Saturday, May 3, 2014

A New Idea Is Born

Suppose we consider a new life to be like a new invention, which under our laws must be both new and useful.* The novelty of a new life (identical twins aside) is self-evident in its genetic code. Inventions occur (again under our law) following conception and reduction to practice.  The two events may be connascent or sequential. Conception is the fixed and permanent idea of the invention, while reduction to practice is the embodiment of the idea. Like parenting, only an inventor can contribute to conception.

Suppose that new life indeed does begin at conception, but it's not fully embodied until some indefinite point in time. Is it not imperative to dehumanize that new life?
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*As for the usefulness of a newly conceived life or idea -- that requires time. The following anecdote may apply.  Sometime in the 19th century, a delegation of government dignitaries visited Michael Faraday to view his electric motors and other inventions. One said "This is all very interesting, but of what possible use are these toys?" Faraday responded: "I cannot say what use they may be, but I can confidently predict that one day you will be able to tax them."

6 comments:

edutcher said...

An idea utility may be highly subject, not unlike many lives.

PS Mike knew his government, didn't he?

Chip Ahoy said...

I know, that was awesome. They'll tax not only the invention but everything surrounding the invention. Absolutely everything surrounding the invention.

Then having taxed it, and having established bureaucracies within bureaucracies to regulate, they proceed to tack on fees, charges and surcharges, levies, tolls, tariffs, and assessments and penalties.

bagoh20 said...

Isn't it odd that even an invention or life that is supremely destructive would still be considered "useful".

Examples:

Mustard gas
Disco
Kardashians

bagoh20 said...

Ok, granted. If you needed it, then mustard gas would be "useful".

chickelit said...

I get more gas from sauerkraut than from mustard. Both are good on brats.

Eric the Fruit Bat said...

Inventions get shit-canned all the time.