[lit-ideas] Re: Defining the length of a meter with reference to time [was Re: Censorship]
- From: "Phil Enns" <phil.enns@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 23 Oct 2005 09:46:16 -0400
Richard Henninge wrote:
"... let me refer to a definition of "definition," and you tell me
whether there isn't indeed something like an argument or an attempt at a
truth in this definition of Phil's."
There isn't. Of course the definition I provided mentioned length since
it is a definition of a length. The question is, is the length defined
by a length? The answer is no. The length is, on the definition I
provided, given by a 'thing', light, and a set duration of time. Those
two provide a length that is a meter. That is, the length mentioned in
the definition is not what fixes the length of a meter but is rather
given as a meter.
Richard picks up on my use of the word ultimate and gives it some sort
of metaphysical meaning when all I meant was the end point of inquiry.
If someone wants to know how long a meter is, I can answer that it is
100 cm or 0.001 km. However, in order for these lengths to be lengths,
at some point there must be an empirical determination, something that
fixes the measurements to the world. This is not something 'outside the
mix', to use Richard's words, but rather a criterion for the word
'meter' having any meaning. For virtually all purposes, a meter stick
does the trick. However, in very unusual cases, something more precise
and reliable is needed and so there is need for a common standard.
Again, it must allow for an empirical determination and so it might be a
rod or the length light travels during a period of time. No need for an
'absolute arbiter', just something with 'clay feet'.
Richard confuses Eric's argument with mine since it is Eric who wants
something universal while I am content with conventions.
Sincerely,
Phil Enns
Toronto, ON
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