>>>Puting a breakpoint in this thread at your signature(:)): does the theory of real numbers a counter example for your signature?
>>>
>>>Vlad
>>
>>What is the theory of real numbers? If I knew it, I'd be able to give you an answer!
>>Jen
>>@real.work.com
>
>Basically: Take an infinite line. On this line we set a point which is called "the origin". On one side of the origin we have the negative numbers, on the other the positive numbers. This is the "real line". Or, the line of real numbers. A real number is any usual number with integer and decimal parts (where the decimal part can have unlimited digits). Usually, these numbers are represented in decimal base. That means we have a continuum (the real line) that is completly described by the real numbers, so 10 values (is completly decribed because there's no point on the line without a corresponding number, there's no real number without a corresponding point and the relation is one to one).
>
>Now, any decimal number has an equivalent representation in binary base. In fact, it doesn't matter what base is used to represent numbers. So, the real line (which is a continuum) can be completly described with only 2 values.
>
>Vlad

Don't think that quite makes an exception. The 2 values are used to describe the continuum. A bipolar theory states that there are only 2 values and no interim graduations. For example: The are only male and female genders this is a bipolar theory which fails to take into account hermaphrodism. Similarly a bipolar theory of race (white and non-white as defined in US racist terms) does not accomodate people of mixed race who are obliged to self-identify as non-white or to "pass" as white if they can.

Jen
@philosophy.before.coffee.am