User talk:Thatwhichislearnt

Improving the article

Phrases like "I also have no doubt that every argumentation about [whatever] is only a lack of understanding of {...]'' suggests fear of hearing them because they might affect some fixed opinion, which for a student in the middle of a thesis may indeed be a problem. But to improve the Wikipedia article we should focus on the issue under discussion rather than make general statements. Here the issue is: should the Wikipedia article start with codomains? I first learned the concept in 1969 from various books (Lang, Arbib), and out of tradition used it off an on in publications. However, I started avoiding its use in 1993 when various ramifications indicated one can [nearly] always do better without. As mentioned, I can send you a list of (factual!) arguments. Since I am still collecting arguments to the contrary, it would be helpful to hear about your experiences favoring codomains. Boute (talk) 11:18, 16 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Again, I am not interested. The entire development of presenting mathematics in the language of categories attests for how viewing functions as morphisms, rather than relations, is successful at representing ideas in mathematics. So much that not only entire areas of mathematics adopt this language, like Algebraic Topology, Algebraic Geometry, Algebra itself, Harmonic Analysis, but there are even foundational approaches, like Univalent foundations, set in this language. Arguing whether an accidental lack of a feature in an earlier definition that became popular is beneficial or not, when the language can be adapted successfully regardless of the choice, is crank territory. Not for me. Moreover, I know what your arguments are going to be. They can be summarized as "in an introduction to calculus, distinguishing functions by codomain is too much noise for students". I agree. The benefits of a definition depend on the use and context. Thatwhichislearnt (talk) 12:41, 16 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]

"I know what your arguments are going to be" sounds quite prejudiced. Your continued reticence to share your own experiences with certain mathematical issues suggests they are limited and recent. Again the crux of the matter is: do you want to participate in improving the article by making proposals based on arguments? Thus far, your extraneous responses to posts by various other people do not inspire confidence, but you can change that by adopting a more scientific mindset. Your decision. Boute (talk) 15:48, 16 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]