The discussion centers on the concept of zero multiplication and its implications in social perception. Participants argue that while mathematically Anna and Bertus both have zero coins, leading to statements like "Anna has twice as many coins as Bertus," these claims do not constitute a paradox. The consensus is that the product of any finite number and zero is zero, and thus, the relationship between their coin counts can be expressed in various ways without contradiction. The conversation highlights the distinction between mathematical truth and social interpretation, emphasizing that language can create misleading impressions.
PREREQUISITESMathematicians, linguists, social scientists, and anyone interested in the intersection of mathematics and language in shaping perceptions.
No paradox. You want to solve the equation A=xB, where x is the multiplier of how many more coins Anna has than Bertus. Now since A = B, then x = 1, or A/B = 1.Krokodzilla said:If Anna has 0 coins and Bertus has 0 coins aswell. Can you say that Anna has twice as much coins as Bertus? Because 2*0=0. But couldn`t you also say that Anna has four times more coins than Bertus, but simultaneously Bertus has 5 times more coins than Anna? Making it a paradox?
Its not a paradox even in that sense. You can test it. Tomorrow, go out and explain it to the first person you see and ask whether s\he thinks this is a paradox. Chances are very high that s\he tells you this is not a paradox and explains the reason very quickly.Krokodzilla said:I agree mathimatically, but in a social concept where Anna says she has twice as much coins than Bertus, while Bertus can say at the same time he has 5 times more as coins than Anna.
Yes, because 0=0, no matter how those zeroes look like!Krokodzilla said:If it`sa paradox ir not is not really my point, sorry english isn`t my native language. I mean can Anna say that she has twice as more coins than Bertus and Bertus can say at the same time that he has 5 tikes as much coins than Anna?
Krokodzilla said:I agree mathimatically, but in a social concept where Anna says she has twice as much coins than Bertus, while Bertus can say at the same time he has 5 times more as coins than Anna.