Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Humanities/2021 December 23

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December 23

Proclamation

The following is an excerpt the Dervish proclamation of independence letter sent to James Hayes Sadler:(viewable source)

This letter is sent by all the Dervishes, the Amir, and all the Dolbahanta to the Ruler of Berbera ...
We are a Government, we have a Sultan, an Amir, and Chiefs, and subjects.

It intimates that the Dervish State was an ​emirate and a Dhulbahante sultanate, but is the source sufficient to add "emirate and Dhulbahante sultanate" to the lede of this article? Heesxiisolehh (talk) 03:18, 23 December 2021 (UTC)

We should only use these terms if there are reliable sources using them. Basing them on these phrases from the proclamation would constitute original research. An emirate is governed by an absolute monarch whose title is "Emir/Amir", while a sultanate is governed by an absolute monarch whose title is "Sultan". It is not likely that these titles would be applied to the same individual; the formulation in the letter suggests they refer to different people – who could then not both be the absolute monarch of the proto-state. The basic senses of these titles are "commander" (for emir) and "ruler" (for sultan); they imply power, but not necessarily souvereign power.  --Lambiam 11:28, 23 December 2021 (UTC)

Hello @Lambiam:, the following is an excerpt of a reply letter sent to a third party (viewable in the same above source):

“In his last letter the Mullah pretends to speak in the name of the Dervishes,
their Amir (himself), and the Dolbahanta tribes.
This letter shows his object is to establish himself as the Ruler of the Dolbahanta,
and it has a Mahdist look"

Thought the reply would give you more context. Heesxiisolehh (talk) 23:39, 23 December 2021 (UTC)

Recent surge in retail theft and smash & grab robberies in the US?

Many people including retailers claim that there have been a relatively recent surge in retail theft and smash & grab robberies in cities across the United States particularly along the West Coast. However, other people say that these are normal occurrences that have been happening for decades and that anecdotal evidences are being promoted by retailers and police lobbies to influence politics. Which side is correct? StellarHalo (talk) 08:51, 23 December 2021 (UTC)

See also Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Humanities/2021 November 27 § Flash robs. There is also ram-raiding, which seems to have seen a recent flurry in Australia.^[1]  --Lambiam 11:37, 23 December 2021 (UTC)

(edit conflict) This article from British newspaper, The Guardian, (regarded by many as centre-left in orientation) supports the latter scenario.

That article also cites this one from the Los Angeles Times.

Alansplodge (talk) 11:43, 23 December 2021 (UTC)

Quite a few news outlets here (US) are trumpeting that thefts and similar crimes are up a lot compared to 1 year ago (2020). They don't add that the current levels are similar or lower than they were in 2019, and that 2020 had low crime because of pandemic lockdowns during a lot of the year. A little bit disconcertingly, homicide is at record levels in 2021, but other crimes like larceny don't seem to be affected in the same way. 2601:648:8202:350:0:0:0:D7BB (talk) 23:54, 23 December 2021 (UTC)

I've recently moved to the US west coast from Canada and it does seem to be quite lawless with no consequence for committing crime. For example, there are so many criminals breaking into cars that people out here now leave their car doors not just unlocked but open so they at least don't have to deal with smashed windows [2]. Of 19 (talk) 23:11, 24 December 2021 (UTC)

That's just San Franciscans who honestly and openly have nothing good to steal in their cars, though. I know an unlocked garage up in the true North Bay like that, just floor, walls and ceiling, you're all welcome! Not a great strategy for more material folk, whom I assume can increasingly afford sophisticated consumer security equipment. InedibleHulk (talk) 03:49, 28 December 2021 (UTC)

G. H. Hardys Essay?

Did Hardy's essay actually have any impact on culture? His opinion of mathematics? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2A02:908:426:D280:4A1:5E0A:3395:4930 (talk) 12:54, 23 December 2021 (UTC)

Are you referring to A Mathematician's Apology ? Many mathematicians pursue pure mathematics for the joy it gives them, and not for its potential eventual "usefulness" in practical applications. Likewise, much scientific research is curiosity-driven basic research. Few today, however, will agree with Hardy's distinction between "trivial" (useful) and "real" (useless) mathematics, as expressed in this statement:  The ‘ real ’ mathematics of the ‘ real ’ mathematicians ... is almost wholly ‘ useless ’ (and this is as true of ‘ applied ’ as of ‘ pure ’ mathematics).^[3] Since this distinction forms the foundation on which his apology is erected, it is doubtful it had a strong impact. Hardy distanced himself from the view promoted by Lancelot Hogben in the popular book Mathematics for the Million (1936), which grounded mathematics historically in its applications. I suspect the latter book had much more of an impact, but it seems impossible (to me) to measure this.  --Lambiam 14:21, 23 December 2021 (UTC)

Endowed associate professorship

[4] How does someone hold an endowed professorship and an associate professorship at the same time? Is that common? The linked page belongs to Lydia Bourouiba fwiw. Thanks. 2601:648:8202:350:0:0:0:D7BB (talk) 23:51, 23 December 2021 (UTC)

It is unusual, but apparently even an assistant professor can be named Esther and Harold E. Edgerton Professor, and the chair appears to be assigned for a three-year term.^[5] Associate Professor Eric Demaine held the chair from 2005 to 2008, according to his cv. The distinction has also been described as an "award",^[6] although that does no go well with the notion that it has an expiration date. Here we see the longer name "Esther and Harold E. Edgerton Career Development Professor", which should make clear it is not intended for settled sea squirts tenured professors.  --Lambiam 11:46, 24 December 2021 (UTC)

Thanks, this helps. 2601:648:8202:350:0:0:0:D7BB (talk) 04:03, 26 December 2021 (UTC)