
New mathematical record: what’s the point of calculating pi?
The famous number has many practical uses, mathematicians say, but is it really worth the time and effort to work out its trillions of digits?
maybe necessary in astronomical calculations where we need to take into account rotary motion and we are talking of millions of light years ?
Mathematicians have estimated that an approximation of pi to 39 digits is sufficient for most cosmological calculations – accurate enough to calculate the circumference of the observable universe to within the diameter of a single hydrogen atom
Quoting from the OP write-up
So it is not that.
Reminds me of the famous reply, "Because it is there" to the question "Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?"
While at first glance, it may seem that irrationality and dogma are gaining ground, it is somewhat comforting to see that these voices (loud and amplified as they are by the traditional megaphone of print magazines) are increasingly finding themselves in the minority. What we are seeing and hearing are the gasping death throes of people who are afraid of the increase in critical thinking, rationality, and accountability. In entrenching their indefensible views backed by their preternatural ability of self-delusion and self-deception, something particularly disturbing to see happens while in their positions as editors, the Atkinsons and Austins have abandoned rational skepticism in favour of preconceived beliefs. Calling out someone who doesn’t buy into the pile of pseudoscientific garbage as being an "objectivist" is similar to calling out someone who doesn’t collect stamps as a hobbyist. It is also interesting that Paul Miller, who does have scientific chops, allows this to continue as long as the page views bring in the dollars; it, after all, did not take long before the inimitable Mr. Arnott disappeared from the helm of Inner Fidelity once the readers abandoned ship in droves. While there may have been greater readership during the last while with pandemic restrictions on activity, it remains to be seen whether there will be a dwindling of readership that tires of the diminishing signal to noise ratio in audio magazines ahead.Columnist: All true audiophiles trust their ears over measurements.
Rational audiophile: I’m an audiophile and I sure don’t trust my ears without listening blind.
Columnist: You can’t be a true audiophile because you don’t trust your ears.
“Speaking truth means responding to the world as it is and denouncing the poisonous deceptions and fantasies. It means repudiating false equivalences and 'both sidesism' that gives equal weight to faith-based fantasies and truth. It means siding with and advancing science, standing on the side of logic, calling out deceit and impugning baseless theories along those who abet them.”
Why not a discussion about π for π's sake?From a recent post by Archimago:
“…
Just flogging the horse, though it may actually be an AssWhy not a discussion about π for π's sake?
Why foist Archimago into such a discussion and spread more "maladorous manure"? (his words!)
Yes, it all comes down to how we decide, make choices and then “find out” for ourselves.Fact is all relevant designers/manufacturers use science to measure/design the equipment hence the science is given
The question is in how does the consumer decide on the already designed equipment
What i don't like about such links is completely discounting of the original invention of PI in India. Such articles mis-lead the general population of its origins. Pathetic.![]()
New mathematical record: what’s the point of calculating pi?
The famous number has many practical uses, mathematicians say, but is it really worth the time and effort to work out its trillions of digits?www.theguardian.com
You just described the characteristics of those in "positions of power".What i don't like about such links is completely discounting of the original invention of PI in India. Such articles mis-lead the general population of its origins. Pathetic.
You just described the characteristics of those in "positions of power".
I will shoot the messenger here - my reference was to your link in the OP #1It seems the concept of Pi was recorded in use at several places in history. (The word itself is Greek, there maybe a sub continental term for it? IDK)
We all have the right to our own home grown subjective opinions; but facts are objective and need to be backed by evidence.
One perspective is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi(don’t shoot the messenger please)
That looks delicious! Someone took a bite out of the pi
There is! It's called Payasam. Invented in ancient Southern India and ingredients measured in extremely exacting (using pi {paya}) proportions. But then, the other ancient evil cultures of the world appropriated it and named it gruel. How cruel!!!(The word itself is Greek, there maybe a sub continental term for it? IDK)