On Reason.

This is not a random post. OK, so it is a post, and random too, but... never mind.

Today, there was a little lesson about logic (officially Non-Euclidean Geometry, but it seemed like a logic lesson) which touched upon the meanings of the words "axiom", "system", "unidentified term" and "limo". (Fine, not the last one.) It struck me that all such human logic is really, really flawed. The basic reasoning goes like this.

1. I want to prove something.
2. To prove something, I have to start from something.
3. Therefore, I shall start from this. Believe it, or else the intelligence I spew will make no sense to you.

This is a system. Of thought and logic, or the lack thereof. The first 2 statements are axioms, which you cannot question since they are not meant to be questioned. (I have an issue with this, like I have with handphones.) Next, there follows the Unidentified Term, like "prove" or "start from". "What the heck do these words mean?," you are entitled to question. "Go check a dictionary" is the only seemingly sensible response; you may well ask why chickens cross roads, such an answer I have to give.

But wait! A dictionary itself defines words in terms of... more words. You look up "Advice", it gives you "Guidance". Check "Guidance", and it says "see Advice." The thing is essentially a self-defined system, that you cannot accept if you (choose to) know nothing about it. (Incidentally, how do babies learn from nothing? Genetic programming that allows them to? Accepting things at face value?)

Besides, what makes an axiom? Why and how do we (who, actually) defines it? Look at this.

1. A Cow exists.
2. Cows eat pasta.
3. No pasta is left.

1. There is no pasta left.
2. Only cows eat pasta.
3. Cows exist.

Which, I ask of you, are the axioms in these 2 "arguments"? When Euclid proposed his theory of geometry, he defined complex stuff like "Only one straight line passes through any two points" and asked us not to question it, nor ask for explanation. An interesting parallel to school, really. Who sets the standards for defining axioms and undefined terms? All human reasoning is pointless by that token of arbitrarity of reasoning. To end of, a quote with much meaning to me (not to you, since it's my own axiom:)

"Asfafkbad gighwro nefhnvn j kawnda." Enjoy.