#Leibniz dimension

[silverior968]

For the art requests could you draw Leibniz Universe Serpine meeting Anton? Because I feel that he can be as funny as he wants, that encounter will always lead to violence lol.

[Image ID: A messy ballpoint pen comic. In the first drawing Anton is looking at Leibniz Nefarian angrily, thinking of Skulduggery and Larrikin. His hair is shoulder-length, with text next to him that states "his hair hasn't fully grown back to normal". Opposite him, Leibniz Nefarian is yapping away, with the text "blah blah blah" next to him. In the next drawing Anton looks angrier, and Nefarian is sweating, with a speech bubble that says "I didn't kill either of them in my universe" with emphasis on either and them. In the last drawing Anton has quirked one eyebrow, with a speech bubble that says "Why did you put so much weight on "either" and "them". Nefarian is still sweating, with a thought bubble that shows Leibniz Anton, who has braided hair, dead. / End ID]

I asked my friend Train to tell me a bit more about Leibniz Nefarian bc I haven't actually read phase 2 (yet? Who knows)

[beigetiger]

Going off the Mevolent, Nefarian and Vile asks.

Baron was so underutilised and it makes me so mad. Baron and Valkyrie would have been hilarious

Oh my god yes I’ve actually considered talking about this in my SoW au because I have IDEAS for what his and Valkyrie’s relationship could be like if it was fleshed out more or if they got to spend more time together.

I wasn’t particularly big on Baron when he first appeared in book 2, but I honestly think that mr. “just wants to serve his religion” had a LOT of potential for character development, especially with how much of the series revolves around proving the Faceless Ones as gods unworthy of worship. We spend so long building up this guy who loves his gods so much, who worships them with everything he has, and then nothing gets done with it. That scene with the Grotesquery at the end of book 2? Where it breaks his neck? REALLY COOL SCENE, would’ve been even more amazing if he had ended up coming back and having to accept that the Faceless Ones have no love or respect for him OR if his alternate version learned what happened and got to learn from his mistakes.

And after book 2? He showed up like…twice? Three times? That first time in Dimension X where Val got arrested and he tries to strangle her, that time that leibniz!Anton jumped him and broke his neck, and then again in Seasons of War when Skulduggery cut his head off because he wasn’t giving them information. Even Vile, lost potential as he was, was used more than Baron.

Anyways you’re so right anon, Baron got DONE DIRTY in this series. Rest in peace king I think trauma would’ve fixed you 😔

[spooklia]

Nefarian and Halloween hcs

Because I need to do something for halloween and I'm bored

Og Nefarian didnt really care for the holiday and never really celebrated

In the leibniz dimension, halloween is still celebrated as a minor holiday that is very different to our dimensions version

Because of this, leibniz nef is super excited when October comes around the first time hes there

He convinced tanith to teach him how to carve a pumpkin, honestly he enjoyed gutting it too much

He made very inappropriate torture jokes the entire time

Valkyrie and nef like slasher movies together, with nef pointing out every inaccuracy while making dumb comments

"I'd let Michael Myers stick his knife in me any day :D" "... please dont start"

Whenever hes with skulduggery and wants to be annoying, he'll comment on peoples decorations

He gets particularly bothered with inaccurate skeletons but bad fake blood also gets on his nerves

Fireworks and bangers werent really a thing in his dimension and no one told him how common they were

And since it is Ireland, as soon as September ends, Nef gets the shit scared out of him

"Skulduggery someone is trying to bomb me!" "Calm down, the 12 year olds cant hurt you"

On the actual night, hes banned from answering the door after judging too many childrens costumes

Hes the type to have a bowl outside his door so he doesnt have to open the door

But he did considered adding sigils to his decorations to scare some kids, until skug threatened to arrest him

He felt robbed of the opportunity to terrorize some little assholes

[lazulian-devil]

The Villains of Skulduggery Pleasant 2

Now before I start, I want to point out that Book 2 has an absolute myriad of Bad Guys™.

The book introduces not only Dusk (who is great at making everyones day just a whole lot worse. Just fun to be around. Only bit Valkyrie, killed the Lord Vampire of Dublin™ Moloch and is generally just... So much fun!), but also the whole Diablerie Subplot (oh look, China is getting a backstory upgrade), Billy-Ray motherfucking Sanguine (who is in one way or another responsible for a third of my favourite quotes from the books), the Torment and Roarhaven (and all that bullshit), the reflection quite literally cracking (this could never possibly become important later on), the whole Faceless One dimension and whatever was going on with Thurid Guild.

So uh, yeah. Book 2, for being actually quite short in comparison to the absolute Grimoires Derek would later be known to write, is a dense friggin book. You might ask yourself "Wow, this sure is a whole lot more dense than the first one" and thats because Landy had at this point already won and be nominated for enough awards that his writing adventures would be a solid thing for him.

The first book was a leap of faith, the second was the beginning of a saga.

(Tangent: I personally think Landy plans and writes books in pairs of threes, as even Phase 2 was originally supposed to be nine but then turned into six books by force of publisher. Because I read them on a Kindle, I am very much aware of how much longer they have gotten with each installment and I think that he, like many an author, would absolutely benefit from cutting down some of the sizes of his books. But book 2 is still very much on the shorter end, if not the second shortest book of the series).

So, after all these absolute bangers of villains, who will I focus on? The one that dies (which is honestly how I think I should do these. Just slowly talk about everyone who actually dies and leave the "I will appear in a trillion books" villains for last, in favor of my sanity).

Baron Vengous.

In a world filled with sarcastic, silly villains, Vengous is the stern military guy that doesnt talk a lot.

And I mean that literally. Besides like... One or two speeches the guy just doesnt talk much.

Ive managed to complete Book 7 in my reading insanity and have read up to 13 before that (reading them as they come out) and I can say with a solid 78% conviction that he is the most "normal" villain and antagonist the series has ever had.

Hes straightforward. Hes methodical. His status as a General of Mevolent is based not only in honestly insane levels of power, but in his pure military might brain and body.

Baron Vengous is the absolute most opposite anyone could have written to Serpine. He almost seems specifically written to oppose him in as many ways as possible. If Serpine was the Vibe, Vengous is the Antivibe.

You get my point.

We actually get an in depth look into him later (where? Leibniz. In terms of trouble, always assume Leibniz) and even among those people, he is somewhat normal. Apart from his wife.

Oh and the other character trait he has. What was that again? I can barely remember.

Ah. Right. Faceless One fanaticism to the point of self destruction.

It makes you wonder what he did after the Amnesty, as he is broken out of prison by Sanguine at the beginning of the book and its never quite explained why. Serpine was just vibin' in his castle. Maybe he did some human sacrifices to his beloved gods and got caught for it. Who knows. (Afaik, its never explained what he did after the Amnesty to end up in prison in the first place and at this point, Im convinced it doesnt really matter and was just a neat way to introduce Sanguine).

But Vengous just isnt a very... Interesting character. He only works so well because Sanguine is a delight anywhere he shows up and Dusk is just utterly terrifying. The Baron is almost too normal among them.

You need proof? Fine. Let me grab my Kindle real quick.

Insert transition music.

Alright, so. Vengous first appearance (Chapter 3: Vengous) paints him as the man in control, the guy who has been in prison for eighty years (Im sure cellphones blew his mind) is out and looking for revenge. He doesnt say a lot. His first actual words are "You're late." to Dusk (who he later points out in his internal dialogue isnt even a man to him). This gives us two insights into his character: First, his stoic mentality. He just murdered someone. Hes entirely calm. Lifes are a casualty to him. And second, he holds enough power or reputation that a very skilled vampire is not only working for him, but accepts being talked down to by this man.

Later in Chapter Ten: The Armour, Sanguines inner dialogue says "The Baron was not a man to be trifled with, especially at a time like this". Once again, we have a whole chapter that shows of several things (passively) about the Baron. He is a planner (shown by his knowledge of the armor and its requirements, the supposed knowledge of where Vile died and his general tactical demeanour being described), he is someone who seems to be in control at all times (shown by him casually watching a bunch of infected under Dusks command dig away) and he is incredibly patient (shown in previous chapters by him being able to wait 80 years and then just "get on with it. Sure, hes mad at Sanguine, but his plans are more important).

And then we add something a little spicy in the mixture: Hes not only a fanatic, hes also an asshole. Ooooohoho.

Its Chapter 18 in which our Protagonists finally meet him and he simply despises Skulduggery. But thats not whats actually interesting. The Chapter reveals him to be self important. Sure, hes a leader, stoic, goal oriented. But hes also cocksure of himself. (A trait he shares with about 84% of all characters in the SP universe).

Skulduggerys taunts go right over him.

"Skulduggery nodded. "So, you married or something? Do I hear the pitter patter of tiny evil feet?"

"I will destroy you."

Normal reaction, ey? The scene goes on quite a while longer than that, but only hammers home this point even more.

The Baron believes himself superior. Righteous. Blessed, probably.

What kills him in the end? His self importance. And how does he react to his death?

"But... But this isnt how Im supposed to die", He said weakly. "Not... Not like this. Not by your hand. You're... You're an abomination."

And then he crawls towards the actual abomination he summoned, pleads it to tell them (the Faceless Ones) that hes sorry for failing them.

The Grotesquery moved its hand so that it touches Vengous' face. It looked almost tender, until the hand gripped and wrenched and the Barons head snapped to one side.

Vengous is a fascinating villain, because he stands calmly among the flashy and vibrant. In a long line of batshit insane people, his insanity is the one that hits closest to home. Many, many villains in the future would be obsessed with religion (the Necromaner Temple, the whole Diablerie plot, later on Darquesse). But all of them are so overpainted, so saturated, that many are just that: A mockery of real life fanaticism.

And the Baron still feels like someone who is rootes in reality. He truly believes that he and the Faceless Ones are superior. His last act is - and I cannot stress this enough - apologising to his gods.

This man. This stoic, straightforward man. This absolute unit. Former General of Mevolent. Words like a scalpel, tactician, wit and gumption combined.

Hes just as insane as all of them. But his insanity is so much quieter. So much more refined.

And that makes him scary.

While I would like to end here, lets summarise real quick:

Vengous has mostly two traits that make him stand out: Straightforwardness and Fanaticism.

Hes a pretty boring villain in comparison to his counterparts.

He is - at least in my opinion - one of the most realistic villains in the series. His insanity is believable and while its not as flashy as those of others, its a kind of insane that makes your skin crawl as soon as you think about it.

He stole Skulduggerys Armor. If you know that Skulduggery is Vile, there are some really interesting scenes that allude to it.

His Leibniz counterpart, for once, seems to actually improve on the OG one. He talks more and he even shows a certain twisted kindness to Valkyrie in explaining her everything. I would almost argue that the Baron of Leibniz is more interesting than the OG Baron. Also, silly wife Eliza. Such a stupid joke.

If he had been succesful, he would have actually ruined the world. Legitimately. The stakes were so high and the man remained so calm. Imagine trying to resurrect your gods. Imagine resurrecting Jesus, all the while having the vibes of a Military Dad with PTSD.

Im afraid that I never found Vengous that compelling. The writing in Book 2 is immaculate though and Dusk and Sanguine are amazing.

I give him a... 7? 8 out of 10?

Also: remember to stay hydrated. Eat a snack. Stretch. You deserve it.

Wanna read more of my mad ramblings? Heres Part 1 with Nefarian Serpine and Part 3 with Batu!

[facelessxchurch]

[in reference to this]

While Creed might have survived the attack that took the lives of his siblings in the Leibniz dimension that doesn't mean he got to live long. With Serafina dead and Mevolent losing his mind out of grief, Creed paid for his berating of Mevolent with his life.

In an angry outburst, he's beaten him to death in front of his court. Mevolent claims he was making an example of Creed, but Nefarian knows him better than that. Mevolent was losing control of himself, which was a dangerous thing for the whole damn planet.

When Mevolent decided to poison all of America it's something Nef brought up again, calling him out that his rampage wasn't for Serafina, it's not what she would have wanted, it's for himself. He cannot claim all of this carnage is for her if even her own brother fell victim to his rage and grief, not only ending an Ancient Bloodline of Faceless descendants but also ending the bloodline of the wife he claimed to love.

There is very little he could have said to enrage Mevolent more, after all very few things are more infuriating than an uncomfortable truth.

"How dare you claim what Serafina would have wanted! You do not know her like like I know her. You do not love her like I love her."

Nefarian wasn't at his side like he usually was when Mevolent annihilated America. He stayed in the castle licking his wounds, making up his mind that Mevolent could not be permitted to live, not in the state he is in now. He must be put down like the rabid dog he had become. It would be a mercy for both Mevolent and the world.

[frank-olivier]

E8 and the Quest for Unity: Garrett Lisi's Impact on Theoretical Physics

The E8 Lie group is one of the largest and most intricate mathematical structures known, consisting of 248 dimensions. Garrett Lisi's theory proposes that this structure can encapsulate all known particles and forces, including gravity, within a single framework. By attempting to integrate the Standard Model of particle physics with Einstein's theory of general relativity, Lisi seeks to address one of the most profound challenges in modern physics: the unification of quantum mechanics and gravity.

Lisi's work emerged during a period when string theory was the dominant paradigm for unification. However, string theory faced criticism for its lack of empirical evidence and testable predictions. In contrast, Lisi's approach offers a fresh perspective by employing the E8 Lie group, which has been largely unexplored in this context. This aligns with historical instances where independent researchers have introduced groundbreaking ideas that disrupt mainstream scientific thought. Lisi's independence from traditional academic institutions has been crucial to his innovative approach. By working outside conventional structures, he has been able to pursue creative ideas without the constraints often associated with academia. This mirrors historical figures in science who have made significant contributions through independent inquiry.

Despite its innovative nature, Lisi's theory has faced substantial criticism for being incomplete and lacking empirical validation. Critics argue that it does not make testable predictions necessary for scientific acceptance. However, this skepticism is part of a broader historical pattern where novel theories initially encounter resistance but eventually contribute to scientific discourse by prompting further investigation. Lisi's work has sparked discussions about alternative approaches to unifying physics, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in advancing theoretical understanding. While his theory remains speculative, it underscores the potential for independent research to inspire new directions in scientific exploration.

Garrett Lisi: The 248 Dinensional Object That Unifies the Universe (Curt Jaimungal, Theories of Everything, September 2024)

Mathematics as the Language of Nature: The Legacy of Leibniz and Noether

The intricate dance between mathematics and the natural world has long been a source of fascination and discovery, a relationship eloquently captured by the works of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and Emmy Noether. Their contributions laid the groundwork for understanding how mathematical structures can describe the fundamental forces of nature. This legacy finds a contemporary expression in the exploration of E8 theory, a complex mathematical framework that aspires to unify all known forces.

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, a 17th-century polymath, envisioned mathematics as a universal language capable of revealing the rational order of the universe. His development of calculus provided a powerful tool for modeling dynamic systems, reflecting his belief in an interconnected cosmos governed by mathematical principles. Leibniz's philosophy emphasized pre-established harmony, suggesting that mathematics could uncover the underlying symmetries of nature.

Emmy Noether, renowned for her profound contributions to theoretical physics, introduced a pivotal theorem linking symmetries and conservation laws. Her work established that every continuous symmetry corresponds to a conserved quantity—such as energy or momentum—providing a systematic method for deriving these laws from physical systems. Noether's insights underscored the role of symmetry as a fundamental organizing principle in physics.

The E8 structure, discovered in the late 19th century, is one of the most complex symmetrical forms known, with 248 dimensions representing mathematical degrees of freedom. It has captured the imagination of physicists seeking a "theory of everything" that unifies all fundamental forces. Garrett Lisi's proposal to use E8 as a framework for such unification reflects ongoing efforts to apply sophisticated mathematical structures to solve deep physical questions.

Despite its allure, E8 theory faces significant challenges. Critics like Skip Garibaldi have highlighted flaws in Lisi's approach, arguing that it fails to accommodate all known particles and forces within its framework. Nevertheless, the pursuit of E8 theory exemplifies the enduring quest for unity in physics—a quest rooted in the mathematical elegance championed by both Leibniz and Noether.

Remarkably, signatures of E8 symmetry have been observed in laboratory experiments involving exotic crystals. These findings demonstrate how complex mathematical symmetries can manifest in physical systems, offering tantalizing glimpses into the potential real-world applications of abstract mathematical concepts.

The legacy of Leibniz and Noether continues to resonate in contemporary explorations of E8 theory. Their vision of mathematics as a language capable of describing nature's deepest secrets inspires ongoing efforts to unify fundamental forces through elegant mathematical structures. While challenges remain, the pursuit reflects an enduring belief in the power of mathematics to illuminate the mysteries of the universe—a belief that continues to drive scientific inquiry today.

Robert Dijkgraaf, Edward Witten: The Universe Speaks in Numbers (Institute for Advanced Study, May 2019)

Monday, September 30, 2024

[speedywonderlandtrash]

Class eight (8) math annual exam preparation - model 5

Class eight (8) math annual exam preparation

  Section A: Objective (25 Marks) Multiple Choice Questions: (Write the correct answer in the answer sheet)    1 × 15 = 15 1. The length of the classroom is 2 feet more than its width. If the width is x feet, what is the length? (a) 2x feet (b) 2 − x feet (c) x + 2 feet (d) x − 2 feet 2. Which of the following is the formula for the volume of a cube? (a) V = (b) V = (c) V = 3l (d) V = 3. At a 12% profit rate, what principal amount will give a profit of 36 Taka in 3 years? (a) 150 Taka (b) 100 Taka (c) 600 Taka (d) 550 Taka 4. What is the formula to calculate interest when the time period is 1 year? (a) I = Pnr (b) I = Pr (c) (d) 5. What is the index of the compound interest formula (1 + r) at the end of the first year? (a) 2 (b) 1 (c) 0 (d) n 6. Which of the following points lies on the x-axis? (a) (0, 1) (b) (1, 1) (c) (0, −1) (d) (2, 0) 7. Who introduced the method of representing the position of a point using coordinates? (a) Euclid (b) Newton (c) Leibniz (d) René Descartes 8. What is the midpoint of the points (−2, 4) and (4, 6)? (a) 2 (b) −2 (c) −5 (d) 5 Answer questions 9 and 10 from the following diagram:

9. If AB = CD, what is the distance between AB and CD? (a) 4 cm (b) 2 cm (c) cm (d) cm 10. What is the value of OC? (a) 5 cm (b) cm (c) cm (d) None of the above Class eight (8) math annual exam preparation - part 4 11. What is the binary representation of ? (a) (b) (c) (d) 12. What is the result of subtracting 10010 from 11101? (a) 1111 (b) 1010 (c) 1011 (d) 110 13. If the range is 110 and the number of classes is 10, what is the class width? (a) 10 (b) 11 (c) 12 (d) 13 14. What is the average of the prime numbers from 1 to 19? (a) 9.625 (b) 10.625 (c) 14.625 (d) 15.625 15. What is the median of the integers from −5 to 5? (a) −5 (b) −1 (c) 0 (d) 5 One-word answer:1 × 10 = 10 16. What are the dimensions of a cube (length, width, and height)? 17. What is the volume of a square showcase with a length of 2 units? 18. What does "profit" mean? 19. What type of capital is used to start an investment? 20.What is the value of "y" in the fourth quadrant? 21. What is the distance between the points (4, 6) and (−8, 4)? 22. What is the angle measurement of a sector in a circle that is subtended by a chord? 23. How many digits are used in the binary number system? 24. What must we do when drawing conclusions from unordered data? 25. What lies along the horizontal or x-axis in a rectangular shape? A Section: Short Answer and Descriptive (75 Marks) 1. Answer the following questions: 2 × 13 = 26 (a) Find the cube of xy + z − 3. (b) Find the LCM (Least Common Multiple) of 5 and 3, and 53 and 33. (c) Find the compound interest for 3 years on 5000 with an annual interest rate of 10%. (d) Rayhan deposited 20,000 taka in the bank for 7 years. If the interest rate is 8%, how much interest will he earn? (e)Sharifa deposited 70,000 taka in the bank at 8% interest. How much interest will she earn after 6 years? (f)Find the equation of the line passing through the points (0, 0) and (−7, −3). (g) Find the equation of the line passing through the origin (0, 0) and point P (−4, −2). (h) Prove that the sum of the opposite angles of any quadrilateral is 180°, or that the quadrilateral's vertices form a cyclic quadrilateral. (i)

O is the center of the circle. Find the area of the arc ACB. (j) Find the 10's complement of the decimal number 2351. (k) Multiply (27)₁₀ by (11)₁₀. (l) The daily market expenses of 20 families are given as: 257, 152, 358, 425, 192, 283, 170, 326, 252, 246, 228, 340, 375, 400, 327, 290, 260, 310, 350, 268 Create a frequency distribution table for the given data, assuming 6 classes and a class width of 50. (m) A frequency distribution table is given below: Class Interval 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 Frequency 5 6 7 4 3 Find the mode of the given data. Descriptive Questions (7 out of 10 questions must be answered, each worth 7 marks): 7 × 7 = 49 2. (i) (ii) (a)Prove the formula (i) using the identity for the cube of a binomial and trinomial. (b) Prove the formula (ii) using the identity for the cube of a binomial and trinomial. (c) If a = 8, b = 5, c = 3 , prove formula (ii). 3. Insa and Wasir have two cubic-shaped boxes, one with a length of 25 cm and the other with a length of 45 cm, in which they place chocolates. The chocolates are also cubic in shape. (a) What types of chocolates can completely fill both boxes? (b)What is the maximum size of chocolate that can completely fill both boxes? (c)Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) and least common multiple (LCM) of the lengths of the two boxes. 4. 75,000 taka was deposited in the bank for 5 years at an 8% interest rate. (a) What is the simple interest? (b)What is the compound interest? (c) What is the difference between simple interest and compound interest? 5. Mr. Kamal bought a car for 700,000 taka and sold it at a 5% loss. Then, he used the money from the car sale to buy 5 motorcycles. He wants to make a 10% profit on the initial amount of money he had by selling the 5 motorcycles. (a) How much did he sell the car for? (b) What price should he sell each motorcycle for in order to make a 10% profit on his initial amount? 6.Four points are given: A(−3, 1), B(−1, 4), C(3, 2), and D(1, −2). (a) Find the slope of the line passing through points A and B. (b) Find the equation of the line passing through points C and D. (c) Determine the nature of the triangle formed by points A, B, and C. 3. Insa and Wasir have two cubic-shaped boxes, one with a length of 25 cm and the other with a length of 45 cm, in which they place chocolates. The chocolates are also cubic in shape. (a) What types of chocolates can completely fill both boxes? (b)What is the maximum size of chocolate that can completely fill both boxes? (c)Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) and least common multiple (LCM) of the lengths of the two boxes. 4. 75,000 taka was deposited in the bank for 5 years at an 8% interest rate. (a) What is the simple interest? (b)What is the compound interest? (c) What is the difference between simple interest and compound interest? 5. Mr. Kamal bought a car for 700,000 taka and sold it at a 5% loss. Then, he used the money from the car sale to buy 5 motorcycles. He wants to make a 10% profit on the initial amount of money he had by selling the 5 motorcycles. (a) How much did he sell the car for? (b) What price should he sell each motorcycle for in order to make a 10% profit on his initial amount? 6.Four points are given: A(−3, 1), B(−1, 4), C(3, 2), and D(1, −2). (a) Find the slope of the line passing through points A and B. (b) Find the equation of the line passing through points C and D. (c) Determine the nature of the triangle formed by points A, B, and C. 7.A quadrilateral has four vertices: A(1, 1), B(4, 4), C(4, 8), and D(1, 5). (a) Plot the points on the xy-plane and draw the quadrilateral on graph paper. (b) Determine the nature of the quadrilateral. 8. In the figure, the circle has center O and a diameter of 27 cm.

(a)Find the length of the perpendicular from O to the chord BC. (b) Find the measure of ∠BAC. 9.The sum of the numbers 69 and 78 is (10010011)₂. (a) Find the binary sum of the two numbers. (b) Subtract 69 from 78 using the complement method. 10. Consider the following frequency distribution: Class Interval 0-20 20-40 40-60 60-80 80-100 Frequency 7 11 p 9 13 The arithmetic mean of the frequency distribution is 54. (a) Find the value of p using the direct method. (b) Verify the value of p using the shortcut method. 11.The marks obtained in mathematics by 30 students of class 8 are: 80, 75, 85, 95, 90, 80, 85, 70, 95, 90, 90, 80, 60, 70, 75, 65, 70, 80, 75, 90, 95, 75, 80, 72, 86, 92, 78, 68, 72, 70. (a) Find the mode of the marks. (b) Construct the cumulative frequency distribution table for the given data. (c) Using the cumulative frequency table from part (b), find the median by drawing the cumulative frequency curve. Read the full article

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of the Point

The philosophy of the point delves into the fundamental nature and symbolic meaning of points as they relate to both geometry and metaphysics. In various philosophical and mathematical contexts, the point represents concepts such as origin, unity, indivisibility, potential, and abstraction. As one of the most elemental geometric entities, the point serves as a foundation for more complex forms and ideas, raising questions about existence, identity, and the nature of the universe.

Key Concepts:

Geometric Foundation:

Zero-Dimensional Entity: In geometry, a point is defined as having no length, width, or depth—it is zero-dimensional. It marks a specific position in space without extension. This idea of a point as an indivisible entity gives it a unique philosophical significance, representing the most fundamental unit of existence or reality.

Origin and Reference: In mathematical systems, points often serve as the starting position or reference for further constructions, such as lines and planes. This role of the point as an origin can symbolize beginnings, creation, or the source from which all other things emerge.

Metaphysical Interpretations:

Unity and Indivisibility: A point’s lack of parts or dimension makes it a powerful symbol of unity and indivisibility. In metaphysical terms, it can represent the notion of the "One" or the undivided whole from which diversity arises. This echoes Platonic and Neoplatonic ideas about the One as the source of all existence.

Potentiality: The point can also symbolize pure potentiality. While it lacks extension, it has the potential to generate more complex shapes—lines, surfaces, and volumes—when combined or moved. This idea is echoed in some creation myths or metaphysical systems where the universe is seen as emerging from a single, undifferentiated point of origin.

Philosophical Symbolism:

The Monad: In philosophy, particularly in the thought of Leibniz, the point is often related to the concept of the monad. Leibniz’s monads are indivisible, immaterial points of reality that contain within them all the information needed for their existence. They are metaphysical points that reflect the universe from their own perspective, demonstrating how something seemingly small can contain vast complexity.

The Singular vs. The Plural: Points also serve as a metaphor for the tension between singularity and plurality. A single point is a unit, but multiple points together form larger structures, such as lines, planes, or spaces. This dynamic can be philosophically significant when thinking about the relationship between the individual and the collective, or between the one and the many.

Cosmological and Existential Themes:

The Point as Origin of the Cosmos: In some cosmological models, the point can symbolize the beginning of the universe, often compared to the "singularity" in modern physics. Just as the point is a central concept in geometry, the Big Bang, or a point-like singularity, serves as the origin of space and time. The expansion from this single point mirrors the growth of complexity from simplicity.

Existential Points: Philosophically, the point can also represent moments of existential decision or clarity. Moments of significance in one’s life may be considered "points" in time, where key choices are made or pivotal events occur. In this sense, the point is tied to the concept of agency and the shaping of one's destiny.

Points in Ethics and Epistemology:

Moral Decision Points: Points are used as metaphors for moments of moral decision or ethical clarity. When individuals reach a “point” in their ethical deliberations, they face choices about which path to take. This metaphor suggests that moral life involves decisive moments, where one must choose between right and wrong.

Points of Knowledge: In epistemology, a point can symbolize a piece of knowledge or a datum. These points, when connected, form a web of understanding or a framework of knowledge. Philosophically, this raises questions about how isolated points of information come together to form coherent knowledge, and what constitutes the foundation of our understanding.

Relational Ontology and the Point:

The Point as a Relational Entity: In relational ontology, the point does not exist in isolation but gains meaning through its relationships to other points. A point’s significance emerges only when it is situated within a larger context, such as a line or plane. This reflects the philosophical notion that entities derive their identity from their relationships with other things, rather than from intrinsic properties alone.

Points and Networks: Points can also represent nodes in a network, which connect to form larger systems. This idea resonates with contemporary philosophies that emphasize interconnection and systems thinking. Points in a network represent entities whose importance lies not just in their individuality, but in how they connect to and influence other entities.

Ethical and Moral Boundaries:

Point of No Return: The concept of the "point of no return" carries philosophical weight, indicating a critical moment after which there is no going back. This metaphor is often used in discussions of ethical, moral, or existential choices, where once a decision is made, its consequences are irreversible.

Focus and Precision: A point can also represent precision in thought or action. In ethical deliberation, focusing on a "point" may involve narrowing one’s attention to the most critical aspect of a moral problem. This idea aligns with philosophical traditions that prioritize clarity and precision in ethical reasoning.

Psychological and Personal Growth:

Moments of Insight: In psychology and personal development, a point can symbolize a moment of insight or realization. These moments are often pivotal in shaping personal growth and transformation, just as a point can be the beginning of a new line or direction in geometry.

Singularity of Self: The point can also symbolize the individuality or singularity of the self. In existential philosophy, individuals are often viewed as unique points of consciousness within a vast universe. This idea resonates with discussions about the self as a distinct, indivisible entity, even as it is interconnected with the rest of existence.

Philosophical Geometry:

The Point as Pure Abstraction: The point is often regarded as the most abstract and simplest element in geometry, devoid of any extension, shape, or physical characteristics. Its abstraction makes it a key subject of philosophical inquiry into the nature of reality and the relationship between the material and the abstract.

Platonic Ideals: In Platonic philosophy, points can be seen as perfect forms or ideals. They exist as pure abstractions in the realm of forms, representing idealized concepts that transcend the imperfections of the material world. The point, in this sense, reflects the idea of perfection and the existence of a higher, non-material reality.

Mathematical and Logical Applications:

Points in Set Theory: In mathematical set theory, points can represent elements within a set. Their identity and significance come from their position within the structure of the set, leading to philosophical questions about how individuals relate to the wholes to which they belong.

Points in Logic and Argumentation: Points also play a critical role in logical argumentation. A point in an argument refers to a specific claim or assertion. Philosophically, points in argumentation can be seen as the building blocks of logical reasoning, where individual assertions are connected to form coherent conclusions.

The philosophy of the point explores its significance as a fundamental concept in geometry, metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology. A point can symbolize the beginning of things, unity, potential, and decision-making moments. While abstract and seemingly simple, points hold profound meaning in discussions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and moral choice. Through its role in connecting and dividing, the point serves as a building block for more complex structures and ideas, both in the physical and conceptual realms.

[peeterjoot]

Multivector form of Leibniz integral theorem for line integrals.

[Click here for a PDF version of this post] Goal. Here we will explore the multivector form of the Leibniz integral theorem (aka. Feynman’s trick in one dimension), as discussed in [1]. Given a boundary \( \Omega(t) \) that varies in time, we seek to evaluate \begin{equation}\label{eqn:LeibnizIntegralTheorem:20} \ddt{} \int_{\Omega(t)} F d^p \Bx \lrpartial G. \end{equation} Recall that when the…

[silverior968]

Objectively the funniest team-up in all of Skulduggery Pleasant

[Image ID: A redraw of the "can't stand her fake ass" meme. The first panel has the words "Bitches be like" "can't stand her fake ass!" in impact font. The picture is a drawing of China Sorrows, a white woman with very vibrant blue eyes and black hair, wearing make-up, teardrop shaped earrings, a blue boat-neck dress and a teardrop necklace. She has her arms crossed and is glaring at Anton Shudder, a muscular irish-eastern asian man with long, black hair that is streaked with gray. His eyes are purple and there are scars on his throat. He has dark spots under his eyes, and is wearing a white button-up and a black coat. He is glaring back at China Sorrows. The next panel has the text "*1 alternate dimension later*" "Me and the bestie" everything else is in impact font except for "alternate dimension" which is hastily hand-written. In the second Image China and Anton are now standing in front of a treeline. They are both wearing black turtlenecks and dark-colored coats, except China's coat has a light-colored fluffy lining. China's hair is now short, and she is wearing less make-up and smiling, seemingly lost in thought. She has small dark spots under her eyes. Anton's hair is slightly grayer and tied in a braid, and the dark spots under his eyes are even more prominent. His scars now extend to his face, 4 scratches reaching up to his cheekbone. He also has a small scar on his nose. He is giving a thumbs up and smiling, but looks tired and slightly out of it./ End ID]

[beigetiger]

Phase 2 definitely has writing problems, but one thing I’ve been thinking about lately that I think was done well was the cultural differences between the sorcerers of our home world and the sorcerers in Dimension X.

Because of course they’re really different, they’ve had 300 years to grow and develop different, and have done so in very different fashions.

One of them decided that it was somehow their right to take over and enslave the mortals of their world, creating a society built upon magic and ignoring the people dying beneath them. From what we’ve seen, they live peaceful, easy lives and rarely have to work for much, the only condition being that they worship the Faceless Ones and never think a bad thought of Mevolent, which at this point is easy for nearly everyone! They live in a 1984-type world and everyone who has survived this long in it is fine with it.

On the other hand, the sorcerers from the main dimension are a MUCH different story. They are a PTSD riddled population that skulks through the shadows, avoiding the light of day where the mortals can ever find out they exist. Violence is normal, it’s an everyday thing for them. Nearly everyone is a warrior. Political beliefs vary WILDLY, perpetuating even more violence and making them constantly live in a world where they are at risk of losing everything from one moment to the next. They’ve spent so long intentionally repressing themselves and never forming any real culture that the moment one does start to form away from the eyes of mortals, it almost immediately starts bending towards fascism (something I’d also like to talk about later).

But the starkest difference, in my humble opinion, is the mindset difference that has come with their extremely different lifestyles. Sorcerers from the main dimension (I wish it had a name) have learned their whole lives to have bendable morals, bendable beliefs, bendable everything. Mortals live short lives and so they learn things fast, and sorcerers have had to constantly update who they are and how they function in order to effortlessly be able to act “normal”, which is enforced in their society and punished brutally if not followed. These sorcerers have learned to be able to strip themselves down to the very bare bones of who they are and be able to build themselves back up in order to better conform with whatever society they’re currently living in. Utterly adaptable, created to be perfectly undetectable.

Leibniz sorcerers, on the other hand, have never had to put in that work. Because of their long lives, they’re allowed to update their moral codes and their lifestyles slowly, possibly over decades or even centuries. It means that while one of “our” sorcerers is constantly taking in new information to find out how to perfect and exploit it, the Leibniz sorcerers might just deny its existence or validity in order to avoid altering themselves. After all, why would they? Unless it’s an order from Mevolent, they have no pressure to do so.

And so reading Seasons of War kiiiind of feels like watching a bunch of alley cats live among and then brutally judge pampered housecats. It’s funny to say the least but it’s also so fascinating to think about the cultural implications and how all of it might change in the future. After all, Dimension X is under very new rulership and Roarhaven now exists. There’s much potential for change.

[xasha777]

In the distant future, where interstellar travel was as common as air travel on Earth, a young woman named Elara stood at the forefront of a crumbling ancient ruin on a distant planet. With her long, flowing blonde hair catching the sunlight, she looked like an ethereal figure against the backdrop of the vast cosmos. Her eyes, large and inquisitive, held the secrets of the universe, and her delicate features belied the immense knowledge she possessed.

Elara was not an ordinary explorer. She was a Luminary, a title given to those who mastered the intricacies of the International System of Quantities (ISQ) and used it to navigate the complex interplay of physical laws across different dimensions. The badge she wore, an intricate star-shaped compass adorned with mysterious symbols, was a testament to her prowess.

The ruins she explored were believed to be the remnants of an ancient civilization that had unlocked the secrets of the cosmos long before humans ventured into space. Elara's mission was to decipher the cryptic inscriptions and relics left behind, hoping to find clues that would advance humanity's understanding of the universe.

As she moved through the rubble, her mind raced with equations and theories. The ISQ, a system of physical quantities based on the seven base units, was her guide. Length, mass, time, electric current, thermodynamic temperature, amount of substance, and luminous intensity were the fundamental quantities she manipulated with ease. Each step she took was measured, every movement calculated with precision.

Elara paused before a massive stone tablet covered in ancient glyphs. With a practiced hand, she activated her wrist device, projecting a holographic interface that translated the inscriptions in real-time. The language was complex, but her expertise in vector calculus and celestial mechanics helped her unravel the patterns.

The tablet spoke of a celestial artifact known as the "Equation of Eternity," a relic said to control the fabric of space-time itself. According to the inscriptions, the Equation was encoded in a series of stochastic processes, each representing a different aspect of the universe's underlying structure.

Elara's heart raced. The Equation of Eternity was not just a legend; it was real, and she was on the verge of discovering it. The implications for humanity were profound—mastering such an equation could lead to advancements in space travel, energy manipulation, and even the fundamental understanding of reality.

Her fingers flew over the holographic interface, inputting data and cross-referencing with known celestial mechanics principles established by pioneers like Henri Poincaré and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. The process was daunting, each calculation more complex than the last, but Elara was relentless.

Hours turned into days as she worked tirelessly. Her surroundings faded into the background as she delved deeper into the mathematical tapestry. The glyphs revealed a sequence of quantum states, each corresponding to a specific point in the stochastic process. With each solved equation, the path to the Equation of Eternity became clearer.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Elara deciphered the last piece of the puzzle. The Equation of Eternity materialized on her holographic display—a beautiful, intricate formula that seemed to pulse with its own life force. She knew that this was the key to unlocking the true potential of the universe.

As she stood there, bathed in the glow of her discovery, Elara felt a profound connection to the ancient civilization that had come before her. They, too, had sought to understand the cosmos, and in their quest, they had left behind a legacy that would propel humanity forward.

With the Equation of Eternity in her grasp, Elara knew that her journey was just beginning. The mysteries of the universe were vast and unending, and she was ready to explore them all, one equation at a time.

[spooklia]

21

24

Serpine?

Thanks for the ask anon :)

21. When do you think they were at their happiest?

In the main dimension, towards the middle of the war. His side was winning, he himself had power and influence he couldnt have even comprehended in his youth, he had just killed one of the most feared figures in the war (skulduggery), and he was quickly making a name for himself in science and magical research. It was the height of his power and he felt like nothing could tear all that down

In the leibniz dimension, it was after the war ended. He still held onto his naive loyalty to mevolent and he was living the high life. There was no major conflict and mevolent hadn't yet demoted his higher ups, so he still had the influence he worked so hard for. This bliss lasted until mevolent grew in power and ego, then Nefarian began to realise that maybe he placed his trust in the wrong person

24. What do you think is a secret they have that they never told anyone?

The experiment that ended in him creating his infamous red right hand was actually a horrific mistake. The ritual was centuries old by the time he tried to replicate it, and there was no mage alive who had tried it. So, when the old manuscripts (that were later found to be early drafts that were discarded due to the mistakes) were used, it left Nefarian with constant pain and a huge risk of infections that could kill him. If this got out to anyone, ally or enemy, it could ruin him. So he kept up the facade that it went perfectly, and that he now wielded incredible power with little drawbacks

[facelessxchurch]

Hi there!

I am a huge fan of your drawings and work and I know that you are an extremely busy person, but as a fellow SP reader, I felt the need to ask this.

What is your opinion on the lack of characters backstories. First me it always made the story feel a lot more two dimensional. I just wanted to know about your point of view.

Thanks!

I totally agree that the lack of character backstory makes the characters 2D. I mentioned a few times that SP suffers from a too-big cast and that a smaller caste would be better bc that way we could spend more time with the characters and Landy could spend more time fleshing them out.

I've also bitched multiple times on this blog how Baron could have one of the most nuanced villains but ended up being that angry beard dude instead.

But since phase 2 things have only gotten worse. The only characters Landy seems to care about are Skul and Val. There were only stories about them added to the new AOH, and he couldn't even keep her out of HBL which was supposed to be a book about the war. I honestly don't see us ever getting something like M7 again. And since phase 2 a lot of the characters are even worse than 2D, they are like paper cut-outs, props pretty much, that seem to having nothing going on for them unless it's related to the plot and pop out of existence the moment Val & Skul leave the scene.

And at this point, I don't even think I want Landy to flesh the characters out more/give them a backstory bc he did that for Abyssinia and it not only sucked for her but also dragged Mevolent through the mud. And I did get my wish of the Leibniz Dimension getting fleshed out more and I hated it. Not only is the world completely black and white and we are never told how Meritorious escaped and survived, but there is also so much folklore in Romania/East Europe yet all we get in terms of magical creatures there are giant bats and mermaids.

Also, the war timeline is full of plotholes, vague and at some points contradicts itself and if he tries to touch it to write more character backstories it will only get worse.

[nicolae]

Space, time, and time travel

Newton supported the idea of absolute time, unlike Leibniz, for which time is only a relation between events and cannot be expressed independently, a statement in concordance with the relativity of space-time. Eternalism claims that the past and the future exist in a real sense, going to the idea that time is a dimension similar to spatial dimensions, that future and past events are “present” on…