Since I've taken on the role of pedant on this list recently, I'll
continue in character:
<brief interruption of actual conversation>
I'm not saying that Kristina makes this mistake but--
On Dec 22, 2004, at 9:11 AM, kristina niedderer wrote:
> I agree with Riccardo that much depends on the classification that we
> choose. Foucault’s example of a `certain Chinese encyclopaedia` in
> `The Order of Things` (1970: ix) makes this clear where `animals are
> divided into: (a) belonging to the emperor, (b) embalmed, (c) tame,
> (d) sucking pigs), (e) sirens, (f) fabulous, (g) stray dogs…`
--I've read and heard many references to Foucault quoting a Chinese
encyclopedia where there is apparent belief in said Chinese reference
book. Foucault was quoting a piece of fiction by Jorge Louis Borges.
Again, I'm not saying that Kristina makes this mistake and Foucault and
Kristina's point are not diminished by the reference's fictional nature
but I just thought it was worth mention that said encyclopedia has
become an academic urban legend.
</brief interruption of actual conversation>
Gunnar
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