Compare or Contrast?

[TEPaul]

When one goes about analyzing something like golf course architecture, maintenance practices etc, particularly historically and evolutionarily, is it more appropriate to either generally or specifically "compare" or "contrast"? Or should one attempt to do both in perhaps equal measure?.

[BCrosby]

I don't think of comparing and contrasting as two separate and distinct mental operations. They are really inseparable. One entails the other. No?

[TEPaul]

"I don't think of comparing and contrasting as two separate and distinct mental operations. They are really inseparable. One entails the other. No?"

I would say so, Bobzee, but it seems I haven't been able to get that concept across to Tom MacWood very well. His technique seems to be to attempt to broaden the influence of the A/C movement to such a ridiculous extent that it can be compared to almost anything and then consequently proven that it was a powerful influence on almost anything. His direction seems to be to stretch the "compare" side to inappropriate lengths. I'd like to see a lot more of the "contrast" side of the analysis.

Perhaps it's even true to say that William Morris' dream of basically somehow integrating all art forms was doomed to eventual failure---eg perhaps Morris worked the compare side too dilligently too, at the expense of the contrast side of the equation.

It is necessary to draw some balance or equilibrium for accurate historical analysis, I think.

[BCrosby]

I resolved a couple of weeks ago to eat fewer desserts, drink less scotch and stay out of the A/C debate.

Bob

[TEPaul]

Bobzee, if you are a reasonable man you should resolve to drop two of those resolutions.

Take your pick.

Or at least answer this for me;

Do you think the English A/C Movement, or the world-wide "philosophy" of the A/C movement was a powerful influence on the Scotch industry or on the "art form" of making desserts? If you want to include vernacular Scotch or vernacular desserts by all means feel free to.

[Ed_Baker]

Tommy,

IMHO, one must compare first to be able to achieve contrast, hence in your GCA context equal measures of both would seem reasonable. In my mind contrast is focusing on the differences of the objects being compared, where comparison alone identifies both the similarities and differences.