Is Math just a Game with Random Rules?
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“Considering the postmodernist argument that mathematics is nothing more than a game invented by mathematicians, Ben-Ari compares math with chess in the following thought experiment. Supposing we came into contact with an advanced extraterrestrial civilization — would you expect these extraterrestrials to know the Pythagorean Theorem? Of course we would, even though it would have a different name and notation. On the other hand, would we expect any of these extraterrestrials to know how to play chess? No. “
- From eSkeptic, Friday, March 24, 2006 in a review of Moti Ben-Ari’s book Just a Theory: Exploring the Nature of Science. (Prometheus Books, 2005, ISBN 1591022851). The review was written by David Ludden.
Of course, the ETs would probably not have the same name for the Pythagorean Theorem as we do. Neither do people who speak different languages. But they would probably understand the concept.
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Comment by Polymath
the chess master edward lasker is supposed to have said (i can’t vouch for it, though) something like:
if we discover intelligent aliens, they probably do not play anything like chess. they probably do play something like Go.