Classical birdwatching

'Let us consider an albino crow. Is it not said, by the great poets, that such creatures have been seen? And there is, I believe, an old Phoenician tale regarding such an occurrence. But is a white crow not a crow nonetheless?'

'That it is, Socrates.'

'Then it is true that all crows must be white?'

'That must be correct.'

'Then what would you say is that black corvid, under the tree over there?'



'Why, Socrates, it is a crow.'

'But have we not just established that crows are white?'

'Yes.'

'Can a white crow ever appear as black?'

'Impossible.'

'Then it must be a mandarin duck.'

'Undoubtedly, Socrates.'

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