[lojban] [duchamp@stl.quik.com: use of "agree/disagree" referring to non-existant objects]

[Robin Lee Powell <lojban-out@lojban.org>]

I have no idea if this is spam, but I thought someone with a greater
clue than I about logic issues might enjoy responding anyways.

Just don't come crying to me if you respond to this and then get a
bunch of spam.

-Robin

----- Forwarded message from Janell Tessaro <duchamp@stl.quik.com> -----

Subject: use of "agree/disagree" referring to non-existant objects
From: Janell Tessaro <duchamp@stl.quik.com>
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This is a long shot.  I am hoping that you will take the time to
settle an argument in our office about a survey on bicycles:

There are 5 possible responses to a series of statements about the
public use of bicycles:

strongly agree
agree
disagree
strongly disagree
don't know

All respondents, whether or not they have indicated earlier in the
survey that they do not own a bicycle, are required to select one of
the above responses in reaction to the statement:

"I would like to be able to take my bicycle onto more public
busses."

The automatic response to date from all respondents who do not own a
bike has been: "not applicable"

The author of the survey says that "disagree" should be the obvious
response since any individual that does not have a bicycle could not
benefit from any additional accommodations on busses for bikes.

I say that the "disagree"response (+ all other choices currently
available) presumes ownership of a bicycle which does not exist, and
therefore there needs to be a N/A choice.

Who is right?  Thanks in advance.  Tatiana Duchamp

----- End forwarded message -----

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