simple arithmetic, symptomatic behavior
I like to use conversations about simple arithmetic to illustrate some interesting behaviors. Math as metaphor: does it make sense to you?
(Read all the conversations. Or open them in a new window or tab.)
2+2=3? Or 2+2=5? Which untruth do you prefer?
Is 3+1 somehow better than 1+3? Don’t they both add up to four?
Got a problem with 8? Why?
Do I stand corrected? Or do I step right over new information?
Answers, observations, demonstrations, and other related thoughts at my “math as metaphor” page …
*applauds*
ay-men!
September 9, 2006 @ 11:04 am
Ah, but 2/2 is 1 and if we can get a 1 out of two 2s then 2+2=3 must be possible.
I will double-check this with my faith-powered calculator and get back to you.
September 20, 2006 @ 11:50 am
(Original comment about the draft version of my explanation: )
Ah, systems and dogma, the other ontological dilemma of man that Becker forgot
Interesting posts, even if I do suck at math.
If you’re interested, I tried to tackle the whole ships passing/out of phase thing here: Diverge, Converge, Reemerge, Repeat
September 21, 2006 @ 12:17 pm