Word: utilitarianism
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...result is: "We cannot expect there to be asingle stable solution...but rather a variety ofuncertain and temporary equilibria, with theconversation-stoppers tending to accrete pearlylayers of supporting dogma which cannot themselveswithstand extended scrutiny but do actually serveon occasion, blessedly, to deflect and terminateconsideration." In that list ofconversation-stoppers, utilitarian calculus andKantian imperatives are equally valid...
...within the present structure, each person chooses to live amongst people with whom he or she feels most comfortable. It is a fairly utilitarian compromise that satisfies most students and even the majority of House masters. Jewett's opinion alone is dictating campus policy, at least in this instance. Yet this diversity by flat won't fail for its undesirability alone. The goals of randomization are unfeasible...
Sullivan's point, that the plaques do little harm, is well taken, but their prominent place within a public building--even as a historical artifact--suggests that the city of Cambridge endorses certain religious views. We cannot apply a utilitarian calculus to our civil rights. While the Constitution seeks to prevent any such state church, there is no such guarantee to local history. If the plaques would be unjustified today, we cannot keep them there because they were put up yesterday...
...Market Place has largely been worth the long wait, providing residents of Broadway, Ware and Prescott streets with a scaled-down version of bread and Circus or a "mini-Barsamians," as it were, and it happily replaces the old Broadway Market, which had deteriorated into little more than a utilitarian eyesore. How wonderful it has been to be treated to the sight of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, cheese and a relaxing place to sit, all in a refreshing new building...
Wire, text by Suzanne Slesin and Daniel Rozensztroch (Abbeville; $29.95), traces the 300-year history of utilitarian and decorative wirework from that of 17th century Slovak tinkers to the factory-made implements of the early 20th century. Many of these varied and whimsical shapes, collected and attractively arranged by the editors, were last seen in Grandma's house. Singled out or clustered in more than 300 photos, these whisks, racks, beaters (egg and rug), cages, baskets, candelabrums and hand-held toasters are reminders of a stable domestic world now bent out of shape...