People think they know math/physics

[wkrepelin]

So, it's come to my attention (mostly via the is anything possible thread) that a lot of people seem to think that they understand math, logic and physics. Stuff like 2+2=5 is false, logical fallacies/paradoxes, alternate dimensions, Einstein's theory of relativity, dividing by zero or heisenberg uncertainty principle etc. So, do you use things like these in your arguments for or against something and how do you think you're qualified to do so or not to do so? I'm not looking to bash anyone I'm just curious of your self-appraisal.

 

[SnootyEnglishman]

It's called a joke. You do know what jokes are right?

 

[Lacsapix]

Global Warming.
A volcano's Co2 emision....
after a eruption a whole land can be coverd in ash with a temprature rise of 4 degrees. (when the lava is all gone or has never been in that spot of course)
Is that what you meant?

 

[Julianking93]

I read physics books and articles, works, essays and critiques of some of the greater mathematical minds in history but I hardly ever use them in day to day life unless I'm having a discussion with someone else with similar interests as me on astrophysics and the behavioral patterns and nature of suns and nebulas though it's rather hard finding people who are willing to talk about that.

But I consider myself qualified to do so because I, well...actually know about it.

 

[Biosophilogical]

I'm good at the math I do know, but I rarely quote maths and physics and stuff unless I have some idea of what I'm talking about, which isn't all that much.

 

[Lukeje]

Yes, I do understand these things. And I do use them to prove my point when they're relevant.

 

[Redingold]

I am quite knowledgeable in terms of physics and maths, though I've had no education in either (GCSE stuff is so basic it doesn't count). I own plenty of books on physics.

Fuck maths and all things related.

Go turn off all your electronic devices if you think maths is worthless. Maths and physics make the whole modern world work, basically.

 

[wkrepelin]

Global Warming.
A volcano's Co2 emision....
after a eruption a whole land can be coverd in ash with a temprature rise of 4 degrees. (when the lava is all gone or has never been in that spot of course)
Is that what you meant?

Sort of, if that is where you stand and that's a kind of physics argument I suppose. What would make you qualified to claim that or not is more to the point.

 

[SonicKoala]

I know little to nothing about either of those subjects which would be considered the least bit impressive, largely because I have little interest in either. They just aren't for me. So no, I never use information from either of those disciplines in my arguments/discussions, because doing so would make me look like a stupid head.

 

[King of the Sandbox]

I don't. I also don't care. Fuck maths and all things related.

This. Fuck math. Art, Lit, History and Biology were all I cared about in school.

 

[Xaryn Mar]

I do use physics from time to time in discussions but then again I am allowed to since I am after all a master of science in astrophysics, it is sort of my privilege to do so

 

[Snor]

I find math the most useless thing after french so i dont care, i am not good at it and i dont need it (the complicated stuff anyway)
secondly math is dieng due to computers, math is a human function that can be replaced

 

[Sleekgiant]

What why would I divide by zero to end this thread

5/0

Oh SHI-

 

[PurpleSky]

I don't. I also don't care. Fuck maths and all things related.

Preach it to the coire!

 

[JemJar]

So, it's come to my attention (mostly via the is anything possible thread) that a lot of people seem to think that they understand math, logic and physics. Stuff like 2+2=5 is false, logical fallacies/paradoxes, alternate dimensions, Einstein's theory of relativity, dividing by zero or heisenberg uncertainty principle etc. So, do you use things like these in your arguments for or against something and how do you think you're qualified to do so or not to do so? I'm not looking to bash anyone I'm just curious of your self-appraisal.

Call.

I did not post on the Is Anything Possible thread, partly because I didn't see it before it went supernova (reached a length where trying to find a professionally written article on the subject would make more sense) and partly because I do not have any particular knowledge of the finer points of high level maths and physics, but where I come from with any posting where I'm inclined to get into serious debate:

- Top grades in Maths and Physics up to the age of 18 (Further Maths included).
- A top notch Engineering degree with specific focus in the final stages for fluid mechanics and thermodynamics (and both transient and steady state simulation of both).
- A keen interest in road cars and Formula One.
- A job in the nuclear power industry.
- A fascination for the operation of the human mind and the ways it can be tricked (I don't care for psychiatry but prefer to look at "behavioural economics" and that sort of stuff).

Your turn young man/woman/invisible-pink-unicorn.

-------

In other news:

I don't. I also don't care. Fuck maths and all things related.

Preach it to the choir!

Fixed.

I find math the most useless thing after french so i dont care, i am not good at it and i dont need it (the complicated stuff anyway)
secondly math is dieng due to computers, math is a human function that can be replaced

I thought that way about French although I like maths a lot more than you).And then got a job in France. It's a funny old world.

 

[Sir Bob]

F*in magnets, how do they work?

 

[inglioti]

I have first year university calculus and physics under my belt. When entering into a discussion about either, unless I'm absolutely certain I know what I'm talking about, I preface with "Look I'm not exactly sure but this is what I think, xxxxx"

Even that, I'm the minority. Most people who think they are philosophical and deep, (especially where I go to university: Pretentious Town University) end up having completed an Arts degree majoring in Archeology and pseudo-intellectualism. Throwing words around like "relativity" and wormholes makes them look like an idiot when they inevitably get it wrong, as I'm sure you're alluding to.

 

[Tharwen]

I am quite knowledgeable in terms of physics and maths, though I've had no education in either (GCSE stuff is so basic it doesn't count). I own plenty of books on physics.

Fuck maths and all things related.

Go turn off all your electronic devices if you think maths is worthless. Maths and physics make the whole modern world work, basically.

That's why there are experts employed solely for their skill in and (probably) passion for it. You shouldn't have to turn off your shower just because you don't like plumbing.

 

[socialmenace42]

I'm entertained when people think that the 'Chaos Theory' is something Tom Clancey came up with.

 

[Redingold]

I am quite knowledgeable in terms of physics and maths, though I've had no education in either (GCSE stuff is so basic it doesn't count). I own plenty of books on physics.

Fuck maths and all things related.

Go turn off all your electronic devices if you think maths is worthless. Maths and physics make the whole modern world work, basically.

That's why there are experts employed solely for their skill in and (probably) passion for it. You shouldn't have to turn off your shower just because you don't like plumbing.

Yes, but if I said "Fuck plumbing and all things related" then I probably should turn off my shower.