4 ms·
> The skull splitting is a natural reaction because this has nothing to do with differentiation. I recommend rephrasing that as "the definition (part "a" above
by xpe 2y ago
> The skull splitting is a natural reaction because this has nothing to do with differentiation.
I recommend rephrasing that as "the definition (part "a" above) of arithmetic derivative is different than calculus definition of derivative."
Do you see? Stating it this way reduces the war of words. Your point is made clear. [1] Then other people can say "Ok, sure, but don't you see how the properties (part "b" above) are the same? And isn't that interesting?"
Think of this another way. Imagine an alternate history where the arithmetic derivative was discovered, named, and socialized first. Then imagine calculus came along later. If so, would calculus be wrong to use the same word, "derivative"? ... I won't answer that question because it is invalid. Better to dissolve the question [2].
My point? Let's try to shift away from historical battles over turf and terminology. Let's find ways to share insight.
[1] Unless your intended point was: "how dare you use the word differently?"
[2] https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/Mc6QcrsbH5NRXbCRX/dissolving-the-question https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/Mc6QcrsbH5NRXbCRX/dissolving...
- nobodyandproud 2y agoI have zero stakes in this other than stating perhaps it’s not the audience that’s at fault, when an in-circle term isn’t translated for a more general audience; and the audiences are consistently confused and annoyed. I woke up, noticed the title & blog (and references), went through the same tortured route and confusion, before stumbling on the fine print, and coming to same “oh, for crying out loud” reaction.
- xpe 2y agoIs it fair to say the definitional confusion bothered you more than the interesting aspects (I'm presuming that part "b" above is more interesting) pleased you? If I were to guess... I'd say you (and many people, including myself, often) are weary of people redefining words in a way that seems wasteful, distortive (such as 'stealing' words that formerly had clear technical meanings), purely commercial, or self-promotional. For me, at least, the intent of the redefinition matters. But I detect no self-interest or obvious neglect in the case of the arithmetic primes.