Is matrix multiplication an immoral concept?

[Boojatta]

An interesting allegation was made in another thread and since there is no way to predict how long or complicated a discussion of that allegation will be, I have taken the liberty of starting a new thread.

The allegation:
"It is not merely inconvenient to formulate the statement of De Moivre's Theorem without using complex numbers, but it is actually impossible to formulate the statement of De Moivre's Theorem without using complex numbers."

I will begin with two claims that I consider to be obviously true. The discussion will likely proceed with greatest clarity if each participant acknowledges that both claims are true or specifies which of the claims he/she disagrees with.

Claim #1:
The fact of whether or not it is possible to formulate a given mathematical statement subject to some specified linguistic constraints doesn't depend on whether or not the given mathematical statement is true.

Claim #2:
If a specified composition fails to formulate a specified mathematical statement subject to specified linguistic constraints, then
a) the composition fails to formulate the specified mathematical statement; or
b) the composition fails to conform to the specified linguistic constraints; or
c) both a and b.

At this point, I think it's probably a good idea to end this monologue and wait for replies. However, just in case somebody wants an explanation of the title, the idea is that if we don't know whether or not the use of matrix multiplication is a violation of linguistic constraints and if, given a composition involving matrix multiplication, we don't know whether or not it fails to formulate what we are supposed to formulate, but we always somehow know that, when matrix multiplication is used, we have either violated linguistic constraints or failed to fulfill the duty of creating a composition that we claim is possible, then the use of matrix multiplication would seem to be a source of a mysterious taint.

[Jim__]

1. Would you please provide a link to the other thread?

Thanks.

[MannyGoldstein]

2. Well... Back In The Day...

I was doing many immoral things while I was *supposed* to be doing matrix multiplication. I don't think this has any bearing on the topic at hand, but it did bring back fond memories (no, not of the matrix multiplication I was supposed to be doing.)

[charlie]

3. No, but the Identity Matrix smells of Randroidism n/t

[moggie]

4. Well, the Matrix was pretty good

But Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions sucked dead donkey balls, and the money could have been spent on more worthwhile causes (such as acting lessons for Keanu Reeves), so you could say that multiplying the Matrix by 3 was immoral.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. Is mathematics your religion?

To me, spirituality is one's own experience with That. Goes well beyond words and dogma and even mathematics. But if you wish to focus on That which is mathematics, more power to you.

[Boojatta]

6. If you're concerned about the appropriateness of the thread topic for the R/T forum...

focus attention on the words "immoral concept" in the title. Also, note that this is a tangent that started in another thread that was also an R/T thread.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. Not concerned

as anything goes here, but just a bit confused.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

8. Isn't morality in and of itself a concept?

I mean, what is considered "moral" has changed, depending upon the time in history and also the location. So you seem to be talking about a concept about a concept.

[edhopper]

9. My wife

simply loves turnip, especially for Thanksgiving. I can't stand the stuff.

[arKansasJHawk]

11. Me neither ...

But I wouldn't "turnip" my nose at a nice butternut squash! Ah hah! Hah hah. Uh hum. Hem. Er ... sorry.

[rug]

10. Only if done in vitro.

[Evoman]

12. I don't know, but all this talk about linguistic constraints is giving me blue balls.

Oh yeah..I went there.

[TWiley]

13. Potential flaw?

If given two choices, then there are 4 possible outcomes.

A and not B
B and not A
Both A and B
Neither A Nor B .... which may include valid alternative to either A or B (C)

The linguistic construction of your argument seems to include constraints which eliminate (or at least discourage) certain choices.

[TWiley]

14. Furthermore

Matrix multiplication is not generally commutative

AB does not always equal BA

In general terms, I would argue that matrix multiplication is immoral (to the field of mathematics) because changing the order can change the result. Much of the security our society depends upon the proof of pre-conceived notions which ultimately depend upon a specific order throughout.

Outside the field of mathematics, and the security of governmental philosophy, it is inherently true that changing hierarchy will necessarily change societal outcome or result. At this level, I would argue that its natural occurrence should establish morality.

Does "God" (author of natural occurrence) differ from Religion (author of hierarchal structures)? One is credited with the creation of nature, and the other condemns aspects of it.

[Boojatta]

15. Are you trying to analyze Claim #2?

[peruban]

16. I think your trying to compare apples to oranges here.

Matrix or Linear algebra has nothing to do with the semantics of word problems. I'm also not sure why you bring up De Moivre's Theorem.

I was a mathematics major in college so feel free to unload any technical specifics in your response, I can handle a simple second year mathematics course.

[cosmik debris]

17. matrix multiplication is immoral

I support matrix birth control including contraception, sterilization, and compulsory matrix abortions.

Unchecked matrix multiplication could destroy sensitive ecosystems and drive out native species. For the sake of the planet, please stop the matrices from multiplying!