Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

A New World Record (1976).

Another related criterion of good philosophical writing is precision. Contrary to the conventional wisdom prevalent among students, vague and verbose language is not a sign of profundity and astuteness but of confusion. Teachers of philosophy who are dedicated to the above criteria in effect issue a challenge to students: write grammatically, clearly, and precisely. Since language is the expression of thought, clear language is the expression of clear thought. Writing style should facilitate the comprehension of philosophy. Style should enhance clarity.

(A. P. Martinich, Philosophical Writing: An Introduction, 4th ed. [Malden, MA: Wiley Blackwell, 2016], 4)

Note from KBJ: Not to be picky (because I agree with the sentiment being expressed), but isn't the following inference fallacious?

Since language is the expression of thought, clear language is the expression of clear thought.

Compare:

Since a mouse is an animal (true), a tall mouse is a tall animal (false).

Is this not the fallacy of relative terms?

Here.

Here.

Here are highlights from today's stage of the Tour of Romandie (in Switzerland).

To the editor:

When Donald Trump started campaigning for president, he said he did not need so many advisors because he was a smart person with good instincts and would therefore pick great people to serve in his administration.

With Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, the physician to the president, withdrawing his nomination as Veterans Affairs secretary after troubling allegations about his conduct surfaced, how many people has President Trump picked for jobs in his administration only to find out later that they are utterly unqualified? It seems to me that "vetting" is not in the vocabulary of the Trump team.

Trump seems to be making his own problems every day. In my life, I have never wanted time to go faster, but now I can't wait until 2020 so we can fix the problem we're having now.

Ed Sinderman, Laguna Woods

Note from KBJ: Don't worry, Ed. You have only seven more years of President Trump.

Just Out: House Intelligence Committee Report released. “No evidence” that the Trump Campaign “colluded, coordinated or conspired with Russia.” Clinton Campaign paid for Opposition Research obtained from Russia- Wow! A total Witch Hunt! MUST END NOW!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Here.

Here.

James Comey finally gets a tough interview. My take? Comey is a pathological liar. Watch his left eye. When it gets slitty, he's lying.