The optimist says, ‘the glass is half full’
The pessimist says, ‘the glass is half empty’
The engineer says, ‘the glass is twice as big as it needs to be’
Ralston should know better. A “Schroedinger’s Cat” reference would work if the glass is opaque and sealed, and the only way to determine if it is completely full or completely empty is to break the seal and check. Until that point, it would simultaneously be full and empty. Schroedinger was concerned with what we can know about things, not what we call them. The philosophical question of whether “half full” or “half empty” is the appropriate description for the glass currently in front of him might be more up Wittgenstein’s alley.
I would myself say that the significance of the glass’s current state is relative to its desired state, or to its previous state. If I’m filling the glass, the job is half done. Likewise, if I’m emptying the glass, I’m halfway there.
Of course, if the glass contains something one wouldn’t WANT to drink, the optimist might call it “half empty” while the pessimist might call it “half full.”
zero about 13 years ago
Don’t blame the glasses. They were just drawn that way….
Kirokithikis about 13 years ago
The glass is not empty, it’s full!!! I made this bet in a bar once and won, since the glass is full … of air.
Nebulous Premium Member about 13 years ago
The glass is twice as large as it needs to be
puddleglum1066 about 13 years ago
The optimist says, “the glass is half full.” The pessimist says, “the glass is half empty.” But the Irish will always say… “are you gonna drink that?”
lewisbower about 13 years ago
Who cares if it’s half full/empty. “Bartender, could I have another?”
Finbar Gurdy about 13 years ago
It was engineered to the wrong spec.
1084897 about 13 years ago
The optimist says, ‘the glass is half full’ The pessimist says, ‘the glass is half empty’ The engineer says, ‘the glass is twice as big as it needs to be’
SciFiWest about 13 years ago
What Glass ? We’re drinking from the bottle !
Spectreman about 13 years ago
I recall a great Far Side comic that was along these lines
Type A: The glass is half full Type B: The glass is half empty Type C: Hey I ordered a cheeseburger!
fritzoid Premium Member about 13 years ago
Ralston should know better. A “Schroedinger’s Cat” reference would work if the glass is opaque and sealed, and the only way to determine if it is completely full or completely empty is to break the seal and check. Until that point, it would simultaneously be full and empty. Schroedinger was concerned with what we can know about things, not what we call them. The philosophical question of whether “half full” or “half empty” is the appropriate description for the glass currently in front of him might be more up Wittgenstein’s alley.
I would myself say that the significance of the glass’s current state is relative to its desired state, or to its previous state. If I’m filling the glass, the job is half done. Likewise, if I’m emptying the glass, I’m halfway there.
Of course, if the glass contains something one wouldn’t WANT to drink, the optimist might call it “half empty” while the pessimist might call it “half full.”
TikiCarol about 13 years ago
…where’d I put that map?