116v

[Anton]

Many things with respect to the MS are not exact science. There is rarely such a thing as "proof" in the humanities.

Science does not have to be exact to be science. Humanities are science still.

The word "believe" may seem too arbitrary, but it is related to presenting convincing information, and a convincing argument.

"Convincing" is in itself too arbitrary and, which is important, subjective. However, the issue with most readings of the VMS German marginalia is exactly that they are not convincing, from one point or another.

As harsh as it may sound, the opinion of these people doesn't matter.

That's certainly not true, we have plenty of examples even in this forum when people not proficient in some subject field make keen observations and valuable suggestions. We have, further, some examples, even in this forum, of people proficient in some subject field apparently failing with their suggestions. It's important whether those who do have specific knowledge and expericence can produce "convincing argument" to those who don't. And if they cannot, then they should rather admit it, and not hide behind qualification and the ignorance of the general public, that's really a cheap shot, I'm strictly and openly against that. To be clear, I don't mean anybody in person, but raise my spear at the dangerous (in my opinion) and counter-productive discourse of argument by authority that somehow emerged in this thread.