The original question would have been typical of the questions on my Philosophy assignments when I was at Uni. My major subject wasn't Philosophy, but the specialism of my tutor was Philosophy through Linguistic Analysis. What do we mean by what we say if you like. It is a study that isn't content to look up terms in a dictionary, or dismiss the search for meaning in words as semantics, but one that tries to grasp the context and intentions wrapped up in the language used. So Horse Racing is good to a degree, to some people, in some context's, but not necessarily 'good' definitively, not 'bad' also. I suppose it is a case of weighing things up to a large extent, as a vegetarian it would be nice to think of absolutes with regard to animals, but the reality is more nuanced, and 'good' and 'bad' may not be the best way to perceive the issues. I would like to think that having a debate or discussion would effect the depth of thinking of people to a degree. It is worth debating whether it is a 'good' thing that horse racing could provide a platform for research and better care for horses, so that destroying them would become less and less of an option. However a potential benefit like that needs to be weighed against some of the very unpleasant things, the 'bad' if you like associated with horse racing. The difficult bit is to come down on one side or another when you weigh things up, rather than continue to think about it forever. I know that for me, one reason I became a vegetarian was philosophical. Where in my mind the right to take the life of an animal was far outweighed by my thinking that the animal has a right to live. Of course, once a person comes to a decision, it is far more likely they will seek out stuff that reinforces their position and the decision will become an embedded part of their persona. I think it is good to have this debate, but it would be really good if we all avoided evangelical tendencies.
That's rather deep Seth but I think that your last paragraph is poignant. We will always look for evidence that supports our own stance. You forgot to say, however, whether, in your balanced opinion, horse racing is good or bad.
That's rather deep Seth but I think that your last paragraph is poignant. We will always look for evidence that supports our own stance. You forgot to say, however, whether, in your balanced opinion, horse racing is good or bad.
If you want to see a good film about a very unique Italian horse race watch Palio that came out last year. If you think Cheltenham's tough then see this and you might change your mind.
When you have a situation like i had yesterday where the pub has 3 big tv's on fucking Cheltenham and 1 small tv on the Cricket then its pants. I dont 'get' Horse Racing - in the same way that Wrestling isnt a sport, Horse Racing isnt a Sport - it has no pinnacle - no Champion, no league winners, just loads of meaningless 'races' - all it is is a medium for bookies to make lots of money and the general populace to lose loads. Should turn Ascot/Epsom/Sandown Park into car parks.
Would it exist at all if it were not for gambling? Hardly at all, the only interest for 99% of people is if they have money on it.
I find it sad when punters put photos of their big win on line, and always point out that when I see them posting up their losses every other day, I might be a bit more impressed.
I still shake me head in wonder at the cheer Keiron Fallon got after he returned from his ban for cheating punters out of their hard earned.
It certainly wouldn't exist in its present form without gambling. It would probably return to its origins, where wealthy horse owners matched their horses against each other (for money of course).
Good, but have to say that those people that are constantly knocking it have obviously never experienced a day out at the races. It's not just about the gambling aspect, but, meeting like minded people and having a decent day out. On a par with going to watch a footie match. Horses are well looked after and loved by the stable staff as well as "punters". You only had to see and hear the reception that Sprinter Sacre received at Cheltenham. I love racing, always have, always will and it's not just about having a bet. I hate it when horses are put down but there seems more bad publicity towards this that is given to motor cycle/ car drivers killed.
Good, but have to say that those people that are constantly knocking it have obviously never experienced a day out at the races. It's not just about the gambling aspect, but, meeting like minded people and having a decent day out. On a par with going to watch a footie match. Horses are well looked after and loved by the stable staff as well as "punters". You only had to see and hear the reception that Sprinter Sacre received at Cheltenham. I love racing, always have, always will and it's not just about having a bet. I hate it when horses are put down but there seems more bad publicity towards this that is given to motor cycle/ car drivers killed.
So do you go to the races just watch the horses, have a beer, and sometimes don't bet then sralan?
Comments
Good.
Horses die because of it and don't really have any say in it...
Depends on your views about animal welfare and gambling I suppose
It is a study that isn't content to look up terms in a dictionary, or dismiss the search for meaning in words as semantics, but one that tries to grasp the context and intentions wrapped up in the language used.
So Horse Racing is good to a degree, to some people, in some context's, but not necessarily 'good' definitively, not 'bad' also.
I suppose it is a case of weighing things up to a large extent, as a vegetarian it would be nice to think of absolutes with regard to animals, but the reality is more nuanced, and 'good' and 'bad' may not be the best way to perceive the issues.
I would like to think that having a debate or discussion would effect the depth of thinking of people to a degree. It is worth debating whether it is a 'good' thing that horse racing could provide a platform for research and better care for horses, so that destroying them would become less and less of an option. However a potential benefit like that needs to be weighed against some of the very unpleasant things, the 'bad' if you like associated with horse racing.
The difficult bit is to come down on one side or another when you weigh things up, rather than continue to think about it forever.
I know that for me, one reason I became a vegetarian was philosophical. Where in my mind the right to take the life of an animal was far outweighed by my thinking that the animal has a right to live.
Of course, once a person comes to a decision, it is far more likely they will seek out stuff that reinforces their position and the decision will become an embedded part of their persona.
I think it is good to have this debate, but it would be really good if we all avoided evangelical tendencies.
Enjoy.
I'm outta here.........
You forgot to say, however, whether, in your balanced opinion, horse racing is good or bad.
I dont 'get' Horse Racing - in the same way that Wrestling isnt a sport, Horse Racing isnt a Sport - it has no pinnacle - no Champion, no league winners, just loads of meaningless 'races' - all it is is a medium for bookies to make lots of money and the general populace to lose loads.
Should turn Ascot/Epsom/Sandown Park into car parks.
I find it sad when punters put photos of their big win on line, and always point out that when I see them posting up their losses every other day, I might be a bit more impressed.
I still shake me head in wonder at the cheer Keiron Fallon got after he returned from his ban for cheating punters out of their hard earned.
As Katiren might say... "Unique".
Horses are well looked after and loved by the stable staff as well as "punters". You only had to see and hear the reception that Sprinter Sacre received at Cheltenham.
I love racing, always have, always will and it's not just about having a bet. I hate it when horses are put down but there seems more bad publicity towards this that is given to motor cycle/ car drivers killed.
If you thought your horses stood a chance of winning, would you have had a bet then?