• Godwin's Law

    From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to JEFF THIELE on Sunday, February 20, 2022 10:29:00
    I'm quite familiar with Godwin's Law:
    Godwin's law, short for Godwin's law (or rule) of Nazi analogies, is an Internet adage asserting that as an online discussion grows longer (regardless of topic or scope), the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Adolf Hitler approaches

    Nazis or Adolf Hitler, not fascism. For example, Musselini was also a fascist, but neither a Nazi nor Adolf Hitler.

    Comparisons to Nazis or Hitler are usually done based on their application
    of fascism, are they not?

    I would think that calling something an example of Godwin's Law because it brings up interwar fascism in Europe in general would be more in line with
    the "intent of the Law" than an example where someone brings up Hitler's moustache or the uniforms that his Nazi officers wore.


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  • From Jeff Thiele@1:387/26 to Mike Powell on Sunday, February 20, 2022 11:34:17
    On 20 Feb 2022, Mike Powell said the following...
    I'm quite familiar with Godwin's Law:
    Godwin's law, short for Godwin's law (or rule) of Nazi analogies, is an Internet adage asserting that as an online discussion grows longer (regardless of topic or scope), the probability of a comparison involvin Nazis or Adolf Hitler approaches

    Nazis or Adolf Hitler, not fascism. For example, Musselini was also a fascist, but neither a Nazi nor Adolf Hitler.

    Comparisons to Nazis or Hitler are usually done based on their
    application of fascism, are they not?

    Sure, but Godwin's law explicitly refers to Hitler and/or the Nazis. It's
    quite specific in that regard. I'm sure that if Godwin had meant fascism, he would have said "fascism."

    I would think that calling something an example of Godwin's Law because
    it brings up interwar fascism in Europe in general would be more in line with the "intent of the Law" than an example where someone brings up Hitler's moustache or the uniforms that his Nazi officers wore.

    Godwin's Law is a prediction. I feel that it's "intent," such that it has
    one, is largely satirical in nature, saying that the longer an online discussion ensues, the more likely it is that one side will compare the other to Hitler or the Nazis. It is intended to be applied to any conversation, not just one about politics. Watering down its prediction would only serve to
    dull its commentary on internet discussions.

    Jeff.

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