Comprehensive Girl Math Theory by Irma Mastenbroek

networkcultures.org

3 points·glovink··2 comments

Good article, perfectly demonstrating how people use “math” ironically or unironically. I periodically need that pointed out, as a mathematician.

The thing about logic is that there’s “animal logic”. A human can observe an animal’s logic and, understanding their system, exploit it. Different logics all around; astrology, crypto, etc. I used the word human to relate what a rational observer can do with some smaller model of logic.

So I’m happy when I see articles about the culture of logic. In this case, ironical “Girl Math” and “Boy Math” are being observed, rationally, by the human capable of exploiting them. Those juvenile joys are punctured a little when you have to admit that someone more rational is exploiting your cute logic.

There’s this common problem with pulp math, and the article has it: mathematical rationality and philosophical rationality are different and only philosophical rationality is difficult to define. If we began articulating that distinction in the 20th century, then ironical maths are pre-modern.

Which is why they don’t piss off well-adjusted adults. Which is why they’re funny. Drunk logic, cat logic, these can fit in cartoons. David Letterman said, “If what you've done is stupid, but it works… then it really isn't all that stupid.” But that phrase is delusional in the way ironical maths justify themselves.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com