Re: US Presidents; an outside view WAS: Any comments? (Evolution - was Answers to Pet

docdwarf@panix.com wrote:
 
>
> that the stick can now be seen as having another set of attributes - in
> addition, say, to being potential kindling it is now a potential way for
> an injured hunter to supply himself and the group with food - it now has
> more value.

Using the stick does not add value _to_the_stick_.

> Ahhhhh... 'using it does not add value'.  We seem to have *very* different
> assumptions when it comes to such; a conclusion drawn from your assertion
> might be that using books has no value.

Using a book does not add value _to_the_book_. In fact it detracts
value as can easily be seen by the fact that used books sold in garage
sales, or even on amazon, fetch much reduced prices compared to new
unused books.

In article <1146076789.624705.143360@e56g2000cwe.googlegroups.com>,
Richard <riplin@Azonic.co.nz> wrote:
>
>docdwarf@panix.com wrote:
> 
>
>Using the stick does not add value _to_the_stick_.

Repetition does not make for greater validity of argument, Mr Plinston.
In that the stick, when used as a crutch for people who can then garner
more food for themselves and their tribe, has an increased utility or
importance than does a stick which has only the attributes of kindling,
then it has by definition more value (http://www.m-w.com/value, 3)

> 
>
>Using a book does not add value _to_the_book_.

In that a book can serve to transmit entertainment, information or
education by its use (ie, by its being read) then it has greater utility
or importance than does a book which can only be used as tinder; given
that 'relative worth, utility or importance' is a definition of value (see
citing above) then the conclusion applies.

>In fact it detracts
>value as can easily be seen by the fact that used books sold in garage
>sales, or even on amazon, fetch much reduced prices compared to new
>unused books.

Mr Plinston, you seem to be equating price and value here; it might be
that we are using different definitions.  I've cited the one that I feel
is applicable to the situation and its source; might you be so kind as to
cite the one you are using and where you found it?

DD