6 ms·
2+2=4 is arbitrary. Humans decided base 10 makes sense because we have ten fingers. It's arbitrary in the sense that it's something we picked out of convenience
by drekk 3y ago
2+2=4 is arbitrary. Humans decided base 10 makes sense because we have ten fingers. It's arbitrary in the sense that it's something we picked out of convenience. Base 10 isn't some real thing existing in reality that you can touch or sense. Language is also arbitrary. Humans came up with it! Wasn't like Proto-Indo-European was something objective and real that we discovered. We settled on it out of convenience and necessity.
If someone is allergic to peanuts, they could definitely say it's poison. Categories aren't objective.
- s1artibartfast 3y agoYeah, I just think that is kinda a garbage perspective. If your perspective is so great that everything is arbitrary simply because it is the product of the human mind, then the term is meaningless. why bother even using it. Similarly, if someone treats every definitions as fluid, and makes no attempt seek logical or objective consistency, I don't see the point in conversing with them. I will just assume the true meaning of everything you said is enthusiastic agreement. If you disagree, I can waive your point away as the arbitrary and pointless ravings of a human mind.