Maths From An Extra Terrestrial Civilization

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the nature of mathematical concepts that might be understood by an extraterrestrial civilization, considering whether basic math could be language independent and how we might communicate such concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that there are fundamental math concepts that could be universally understood, independent of language.
  • Others mention the Arecibo message as a potential starting point for communicating mathematical ideas to extraterrestrial civilizations.
  • One participant humorously suggests that showing an extraterrestrial being a slide rule would demonstrate our understanding of transcendental functions and base ten arithmetic.
  • A later reply asserts that it would be impossible to definitively say what extraterrestrial mathematics would be like, leading to a closure of the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the universality of mathematical concepts and the feasibility of communication with extraterrestrial beings. The discussion remains unresolved, particularly regarding the nature of extraterrestrial mathematics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address specific assumptions about the nature of mathematics or the definitions of concepts involved, leaving these aspects open to interpretation.

!Jon Snow!
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What Could It Be Like - And Would We Understand It?
 
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Some people feel that there are basic math concepts that would be language independent. Some of these are encoded in the Arecibo message broadcast to Alien civilizations out there so that might be a starting point:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecibo_message
 
I'd always figured if i met ET's i'd show them my slide rule. It tells that we're aware of transcendental functions and use base ten arithmetic.

Better than showing them our social media.


ATTACKS1.gif


But not counting on the opportunity...
 
It would be impossible to say, so thread closed.
 

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