Non-Euclidean Geometry
Me: What do you think you'll get your degree in?
Dave: Topology, not sure what type.
Me: I had to look it up. Something math related, geometry. That's what Merriam-Webster says.
Dave: Sort of, different set of rules.
Me: I hate it when that happens. How can there be several different kinds of rules in math? Isn't the idea that it is the rule?
Dave: Lol. So non-euclidean geometry really fucks with your mind? Parallel lines that intersect at 90 degree angles.
Me: I don't understand how is that even possible? What the fuck is that about?
Dave: It depends on how you define a plane.
Me: Flat.
Dave: But what if you defined it as spherical?
Me: Then it would be a sphere and not a plane. This is what confuses me. So is it a definitional difference or the world can really be governed by two different sets of rules?
Dave: Redefining a plane as a sphere is tough to wrap your mind around. All it is is a different orientation towards the same world.
Me: So math isn't completely objective?
Dave: It still is. I treat it more as an exercise in seeing how different things are when you modify your assumptions.
Me: So can both of these geometries exist simultaneously or are they mutually exclusive?
Dave: Mutually exclusive.
Me: Ok that makes me feel a little better.
Dave: You can only have one orientation towards the world at once.
Me: But which on is right?!
Dave: Lol. They are both right, as in neither is wrong.
