1 + 2 + 3 + ... = -1/12

[Johnh]

(10-27-2024 04:50 PM)floppy Wrote:  

(10-01-2018 11:34 PM)Albert Chan Wrote:  I "know" the sum does not add up to -1/12, but the guys were so serious ...

The problem is people end by thinking there is a flat earth..

Actually...

A flat earth model is a very good simple model of reality for 90% of what we need a map for! It's ideal for finding your way across the city, or even across the state. But it gradually breaks down as you move to a more 'Global' scale, until if you cling to it for too long, you can prove that by driving off the left side of your map, you will suddenly appear thousands of miles away on the right side of it, and yet you are still in the same place!

It seems to me that number theory, advanced maths, everyday engineering, classical physics and then the most advanced relativity, particle and astro-physics are also on a range of scales where they give good helpful insights within bounds, but if you pursue each one too far, they starts to break down and create absurdities and conundrums. And then we need to move to better, or as yet unknown theories of reality. Or just stick to our day-jobs....