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October 9, 2006
Argument from Authority
"Argument from authority is always a fallacy, even when authority is speaking within its realm of expertise." -- MR
MR is always telling us, on list and off, that just because so-and-so recommended it doesn't mean it's the right thing to do, or eat, or believe. Whether the authority is the American Heart Association, Aubrey de Grey, God, or someone's great-uncle who lived to be 102 and drank, smoked and ate pork rinds every day of his very long life, argument from authority is not evidence. You've got to do the research and find the evidence and make your nutritional and other decisions based on that.
In practice, though, for those of us who don't have PubMed as our homepage, some decisions get delegated to an authority whom we respect. For instance, when it comes to what bars and restaurants to go to in Center City, I entirely trust Susan's judgement. I could read reviews, visit the different restaurants, interview other patrons, and make a decision as to which one is right or best, but I really don't have time for that. In decisions that aren't life and death, sometimes it's okay to turn to a respected authority, but you still wouldn't claim that the authority is "right" just on the basis of who he or she is.
MR, however, never accepts argument from authority. This is fine with me, except for when I am the authority and don't feel like going into the evidence and reasoning behind my decisions. Especially when it comes to housework.
Take this example. This morning I was cleaning the kitchen floor. Here is my method:
I sweep well, to remove outstanding particles. Then I mop the entire floor with water and cleanser. Then I take a scrubby thing (not sure what the technical term is but it has a handle and bristles and is not a sponge, much more powerful) and scrub out all the dirty spots that are tough to get up. Then I take a paper towel and remove the particles liberated from the floor by the scrubby thing so that they don't just get pushed around when I re-mop. Then I change the water in the bucket, replacing the dirty with clean and a lighter spray of cleanser, and re-mop for rinse. Then I allow the floor to dry undisturbed. Later on I can come back with a sponge if there is touch-up work to be done.
While I am open to suggestions, I find this method to be pretty effective. Today, MR bounced in during the paper towel part of the process, and totally misunderstood what was going on.
"I'm not sure that attempting to dry the entire floor with paper towels will be effective," he said in the tone of voice reserved for making very hesistant suggestions re: housework, in full knowledge that he is most likely to get his head bitten off.
Now I really wanted to just resort to argument from authority. How long have I been cleaning kitchen floors, how likely is it that I know what I'm doing, whose kitchen floor is it anyway? At this point, since he put the entire downpayment on the house and I've only shelled out one mortgage payment, it's mostly his kitchen floor, but when I'm cleaning, it's MINE! MINE MINE MINE! And I'll mop it however I darned well please! Because I am for the moment when I wield the scepter/mop the QUEEN OF THE KITCHEN!
But no. I did not resort to such tactics. I am an adult and can calmly and rationally explain my kitchen mopping system without wigging out on an innocent man who really is just trying to help.
I explained the system. He went away happy.
The kitchen floor looks great.
Posted by april at October 9, 2006 6:13 AM
Comments
I laughed so hard when I red this post I am sure the Dublin Spire shook. In my experience sometimes a perfectly rational explanation elicits the response "well that just seams silly to me." Then the gloves are off! What a great example of how good conflict resolution is really a team effort. A certain reader husband of mine could learn an valuable lesson here I think. :)
Posted by: Christine Davidson at October 9, 2006 8:31 AM
Nice post April, that made me laugh :)
Posted by: Matt at October 9, 2006 9:36 AM
My system is. . .my husband mops the floors because he doesn't like my system. This works for me.
Lest you think I sit around eating free-trade chololates and blogging all day, I do all the shopping, cooking, and laundry.
Posted by: Rachella at October 9, 2006 9:54 AM
absolutely fantastic, hilarious and insightful post!
Posted by: David Gobel at October 9, 2006 10:21 AM
April, I noticed that you are searching for a no grain turkey dressing. I have a question for you. What is so bad about grains, especially whole grains in moderation? Did you ever do a post explaining this? Also, I notice you don't eat soy. What is the problem with soy so long as it is part of a varied diet? Thanks in advance for explaining this.
Posted by: Katrina at October 9, 2006 3:03 PM
Although April will likely respond to that Katrina... I suspect (don't know for certain!) it would be due to April's low Calorie intake, and trying to get the most nutrition out of what little she does get. Meaning Wholegrains have an inferior nutritional profile compared to most vegetables so it wouldn't be a good choice.
Men doing CR may be able to have some wholegrains in their diet because men require more calories, and can be a bit more flexible in what they eat and still get 100% RDA of everything.
Posted by: Matt - UK at October 9, 2006 7:25 PM