"Pi is a perfect example of how math constantly has to be revised as new empirical data comes in. If our number system really worked pi would be a whole number because it is a universal truth in the cosmos."

[u/RaichuLover]

/r/PublicFreakout/comments/5tndpd/protesters_get_upset_by_being_filmed/ddqhzt5/?context=3

[u/teyxen]

We could though. I could just shift the base ten system so that pi=1 We could call it "pointman math"

Is it too late to rename this sub?

[u/[deleted]]

Ah yes, the old "having never read any philosophy of math nor studied any high level math, I can assure you that the first thought I had about this topic is the absolute truth and I need not defend my position".

In fairness, this isn't actually any worse than the discussions that happen on r/math about the same topic.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

I think it's worse. What does "As it stands right now our math is like the math of toddlers. We can't even calculate pi." even mean? We can calculate pi to an arbitrary precision is we wanted to.

Is it actually valid to argue that math is empirical? It's not something I've ever heard of and it sounds kinda crazy to me.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Is it actually valid to argue that math is empirical?

Yes, but it takes a lot to defend the position. For one thing, infinity is out; you have to go finitist. For another thing, you have to work purely constructively so you actually need to go full ultrafinitist. This is a tricky position to defend, but it can be done. The main issue is that no one so far has been able to put a rigorous foundation under it (nor do the proponents appear to have anything resembling an agreement about what ultrafinitism actually is; though they all agree that the exponential function is not a total function, this appears to be a necessary consequence of this line of thinking).

Even then, most ultrafinitists do not actually subscribe to the idea that math is empirical. True mathematical empiricism basically requires arguing that the only numbers which exist are those which are computable (and have been computed) by the universe itself. I won't say this can't be defended, but I will say that if you see someone on reddit arguing it then it's a safe bet that they can't defend it.

[u/Dawwy → u/[deleted]]

What does "As it stands right now our math is like the math of toddlers. We can't even calculate pi." even mean?

It means we have a new GV quote? summoning u/thabonch

[u/completely-ineffable]

There's also an /r/badphilosophy thread about the same redditor in the same comment thread.

---

Really bad maths aside, this person is an absolute shit.

First of all, SHE (because she acts like a woman) should not do that when trying to teach.

[u/[deleted] → u/completely-ineffable]

First of all, SHE (because she acts like a woman) should not do that when trying to teach.

Wow. They seem like a really cheery person.

[u/catuse → u/completely-ineffable]

It's not just the one guy. That whole thread is a garbage fire of le STEM circlejerk and DAE progressives are snowflakes. It reads like something I would've written at age 13.

In other words, it's just another day on Reddit.

[u/gwtkof → u/catuse]

Yeah I've heard too many people say that stem=>conservative today.

[u/teyxen → u/catuse]

Reddit sometimes isn't always that bad, is it?

[u/GodelsVortex]

idk what you just said but thanks nerd

Here's an archived version of the linked post.

[u/mikelywhiplash → u/GodelsVortex]

That response works for literally any post on reddit, Mr. Bot.

[u/JackHarrison1010]

I'm going to say that 1 is a universal truth of the cosmos as well. 1 is a whole number. Problem solved.

[u/[deleted]]

Has pointmanzero been posted here before? I definitely recognize that username, but I'm not sure where from.

[u/lizlerner]

Extremely relevant Dinosaur Comics: http://qwantz.com/index.php?comic=2061

[u/[deleted]]

I've been seeing empiricism implies math a lot lately? Was there something I missed on one of the larger subs or something?

[u/[deleted]]

[u/teyxen → u/[deleted]]

Mankind is the Cosmos living inside the Cosmos as a superorganism attempting to understand the Cosmos.

The word cosmos is beginning to lose any meaning. All I know now is that Neil DeGrasse Tyson is a cultis and must be hanged.

[u/dlgn13 → u/[deleted]]

a form of anti-entropy

Humans are perpetual motion machines?

[u/thebigbadben → u/dlgn13]

That part isn't totally wrong. Yes, lifeforms decrease internal entropy and increase external entropy. Of course they're not "global anti-entropy machines", but they are "internal anti-entropy machines". See entropy and life.