I disagree with a lot of what Bill said in his original post, and agree
with much of Brian's critique that we ought not to define classica fencing
as something in opposition to sport fencing, but insofar as he said "the
introduction of electric equipment and changes [i.e. standardization] in
the concept of right-of-way" "were not considered a "catastrophic
reaction", but rather viewed as improvements over failings in fencing
prior to their introduction (simple human failing to see touches, bias in
the judges, as well as the fascination with technology)." To the contrary,
all of these are *very much* manifestations of an Enlightenment,
positivist mentality.

-Ken