Re: JSH: Logic and paradox



Vladimir Dergachev <volodya@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:

I never quite bought into the equality discussion in logic classes myself.
I do understand the issue, but I always thought of this as a matter of
choice in understanding mathematics.

Myself, I prefer to understand "=" as an equivalence relation in all cases,
and simply ask the question - which equivalence relation do we mean at this
time ?

I don't suppose it makes much practical difference, since working with
an equivalence relation R on X is more or less the same as working
with equality on X/R (restricting the notion of functions to
congruences as well). But I don't see any advantage to viewing
equality as a mere equivalence relation and *not* a proper identity.

And you are inviting confusion if you forget that when most people
discuss equality, they mean equality.
--
"Many argue that its programmers have turned out shoddy programs, but
[their] objective is to make profit, not superlative programs per
se. By the profit criterion, Microsoft has been one of the greatest
companies in the history of this country." -- ADTI defends Microsoft
.



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