Nagel Says, "In Ordinary Life a Situation Is Absurd When

question 117

Short Answer

Nagel says, "In ordinary life a situation is absurd when it includes a conspicuous discrepancy between pretension or aspiration and reality: someone gives a complicated speech in support of a motion that has already been passed; a notorious criminal is made president of a major philanthropic foundation; you declare your love over the telephone to a recorded announcement; as you are being knighted, your pants fall down." Do you agree with Nagel's discussion of when something is absurd?

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Definitions:

Imports

Goods or services brought into one country from another for the purpose of sale or use.

United States

A country located primarily in North America, consisting of 50 states and a federal district.

World Price

The international market price of a good or service, determined by global supply and demand conditions.

Consumer Surplus

The difference between the total amount consumers are willing and able to pay for a good or service and the total amount they actually pay.