[Marsha] Is there any difference in Value between zero (0) and one (1)? [Krimel] Such a marvelously vague question sparking, such marvelously strange answers. Of course my personal favorite so far is Platt's visions of politically subversive numerology.
It is tempting to offer the smart aleck answer that the difference is precisely 1. (0 - 1 = 1) What the heck I will offer that, because it points to something interesting. Both 0 and 1 have properties no other numbers have. Many mathematical theorems begin by specifying the exceptions they create. Zero multiplied by any number equals zero. Zero added to any number equals that number Zero subtracted from any number is that number Zero divided by any number is undefined. One shares some similar properties: One multiplied by and number is that number One divided by any number is that number. Other interesting points: One was the first number put to use in mathematics. Zero was the last. (Ok almost the last, there are the negatives, i, infinity and no doubt a few more) All of mathematics can be expressed with just these two numbers. But there is also the hint of the classic unanswered question of life the universe and everything: Why is there something instead of nothing? In probability theory they are the extremes of certainty: Always and never. Numbers, any numbers, are symbols. They are abstractions that can be applied to the real world in a host of ways. Their chief advantage as symbols is that they offer precision. They allow us to specify certain unambiguous properties in the relationship of things. They are unambiguous metaphors in that when two persons share a mathematical understanding of particular relationships they achieve a unity of mind not possible through other forms of communication. Two shepherds can count their flocks and agree with precision on who has more sheep. Builders can construct edifices large and small based on their common understanding of the mathematical relationships specified in an architect's plans. Football fans can agree on which team won a game based on the number of point each team accumulates. Number is Value. As Pirsig said in a letter to Bo: "Arguments that value is unreal can be reduced to absurdity by the question, 'Do you think a five dollar bill has the same value as an one dollar bill? If so, are you willing to trade some bills?'" moq_discuss mailing list Listinfo, Unsubscribing etc. http://lists.moqtalk.org/listinfo.cgi/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org Archives: http://lists.moqtalk.org/pipermail/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org/ http://moq.org.uk/pipermail/moq_discuss_archive/
