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Energy Policy PA395 Simon Gary Flomenhoft http://www.uvm.edu/~gflomenh/ENRG-POL-395. What is a cornucopian or panglossian? Master Pangloss taught the metaphysico-theologo-cosmolonigology. He could prove to admiration that there is no effect without a cause; and...
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Energy Policy PA395 Simon Gary Flomenhoft http://www.uvm.edu/~gflomenh/ENRG-POL-395
What is a cornucopian or panglossian? Master Pangloss taught the metaphysico-theologo-cosmolonigology. He could prove to admiration that there is no effect without a cause; and... "It is demonstrable," said he, "that things cannot be otherwise than as they are; for as all things have been created for some end, they must necessarily be created for the best end. Observe, for instance, the nose is formed for spectacles, therefore we wear spectacles. The legs are visibly designed for stockings, accordingly we wear stockings. Stones were made to be hewn and to construct castles, therefore My Lord has a magnificent castle; for the greatest baron in the province ought to be the best lodged. Swine were intended to be eaten, therefore we eat pork all the year round: and they, who assert that everything is right, do not express themselves correctly; they should say that everything is best."
What is a Cassandra? Cassandra received the power to foretell the future from the god Apollo. Apparently, Apollo instructed the mortal woman and taught her about the art of prophecy because he had an ulterior motive - the god wished to win her affections. Cassandra accepted Apollo as a teacher, but not as a lover. Naturally, the god was insulted by this refusal. So he punished Cassandra. Apollo caused the gift that he gave Cassandra to be twisted, making everyone who heard her true and accurate foretellings of future events believe that they were instead hearing lies. In other words, the wondrous blessing bestowed upon a mortal became instead a terrible curse. And indeed, the burden of Cassandra's "gift" is evident in mythology. She predicted the outcome of many disastrous events. In one memorable example, Cassandra announced the dire consequences of the Trojans accepting the infamous Wooden Horse from their Greek opponents. But as Apollo made certain, no one believed Cassandra when she warned her companions about the future. And this, in the end, was to be Cassandra's tragic fate.
Why is Julian Simon a cornucopian? • Everything is getting better: • Food/capita • Infant mortality • Infectious disease • Water & air quality • Mineral abundance • Price of electricity & gasoline • Pesticide residues • Nucear power safety
QUESTIONS WHAT IS YOUR AUTHOR RIGHT ABOUT? WHAT IS YOUR AUTHOR WRONG ABOUT? WHO IS RIGHT?