Reasoning: A Math Parable

(This post is part of series of posts, beginning here. It is recommended they be read collectively, and in order.) 

Let's start this conversation on Reasoning with a parable, in mathematical form:

Let's assume we have two numbers - they could be any two numbers. We will call them 'a' and 'b'.

Now, for the purposes of this parable let's assume a=b

If we multiply both sides of this equation by a, we have axa=axb

which can also be written as a²=ab

now, let's add another a² to both sides: a²+a²=a²+ab

we can represent that more simply as 2a²=a²+ab

Now, subtract 2ab from both sides:   2a²-2ab=a²+ab-2ab

again, simplify: 2a²-2ab=a²-ab

and simplify further: 2(a²-ab)=a²-ab

Now you will notice we have a common term on both sides: a²-ab

So we can remove it, and we are left with 2=1.

And just like that, the world economy collapses, the universe is thrown into utter chaos and disappears in a puff of logic.

How can this be? What sort of devilry is this? Did I get one of those steps wrong? Add too many 2's or a's to one side of the equation?

No, it is nothing of the sort. Every step is written correctly. The problem is, while going through all those steps, through all that complexity, we forgot something important.

In the very beginning, we stated that a=b.

and so a²-ab is really the same as a²-a²

and a²-a²=0

so that last bit is 2x0=1x0

which is true, since anything multiplied by 0 is 0

And quite suddenly, we can see the whole equation was absurd. And the complexity of the equation- it's many steps, obscured the obvious.

The universe is a large and complex system, with many variables, and as such, we may be tempted to see complicated answers to every problem. It is critical however to examine such complex answers against the more simple, fundamental observations. Quite often, we add unnecessary complexity which obscures a much more obvious answer, and thus prevents us implementing a simple solution.

The Art of Reasoning

(This post is part of series of posts, beginning here. It is recommended they be read collectively, and in order.) 

I am not happy with this. I don't feel it says precisely what I wish it it to. But I have been staring at it on and of for months now, and making no progress in getting it where I want it. So rather than spend more time spinning my wheels, I am going to publish it now and press forward. Perhaps as I proceed with the other posts in the series, the right words and phrases will come, and I will re-write this post. Until then, here it is, such as it is:

I have written this post a few hundred times in my mind - or tried to. Each time I start, I go in a million different directions at once. I am still uncertain if it is really the right time for this post - there are several others floating around in my head which are quite similar to the prior posts in this series. I think they belong after this one however .

This post is a nexus - a point of focus for the other posts in this series. That said, before going further, I ask that you read the previous posts, as they set the stage. Given the passage of time between the prior posts and this post, it may be wise to review them, even if you read them previously.

 First - Language is unreliable, truth is elusive, perhaps unattainable, and experience is inconsistent

Second - You are not the sole master of your destiny. In fact your control of your path, your thoughts and even your beliefs may be tenuous at best.

Third - You lie. You lie to yourself. Even when you are trying to be honest, your very senses conspire against you, tangling you in an intricate web of perceptual deceit.

So how then does one safely navigate this mortal experience? How can one plot a course through life if one cannot see the path?  How can one safely maneuver through the pitfalls, if one doesn't understand the rules- if one cannot even be sure their hand is on the tiller, if one cannot trust anyone, even one's own self?

And now to introduce and attempt to define another word.

Reason:

Noun. 

1. A cause, explanation of justification for an action or event.

2. The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgement by a process of logic.

Verb.

1. To think, understand and form judgements by a process of logic.

-The oxford dictionary, by way of Bing (Sadly, the best definitions for 'logic' are all circular, relying on the word 'Reason').

25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:

 - Ecclesiastes 7:25

 

 

The art of reasoning is the concerted, intentional effort to understand- to make sense of the the world, one's self and one's surroundings through observation, documentation, and the careful application of logic. (that was a mouthful!)

It is a a dedicated , individual and collective endeavor to to seek out and draw ever nearer to elusive Truth.

It is no small task, and it is not for the faint of heart.

It requires tremendous commitment, focus, perseverance, and courage. It requires considerable sacrifice.

It is quite perilous. One must personally face humankind's' greatest enemy - most probably in mortal combat.

Reasoning requires an understanding of not just "What" but also "How" and "Why".

Reasoning requires a willingness to recognize and acknowledge the constructs around us, many of which we often take for granted as being eternal, rather than ephemeral, and many of which we often cling to, and use as anchors for our security, our sense of being.