Ever used a slide rule? I have. And if you've never done complex, high-accuracy gasdynamics calculations, you have no idea what a godsend digital calculators are (not to mention computers). You still need to understand the math in order to frame the equations. Anyone can turn off their critical thinking, but those who do so are fools.
I can bet you they would only know the angle in their heads if they had previously precalculated a rule of thumb. I have many criticisms of NASA, but you would be way out of line to think they don't know their level of mathematics. (This pertains to space engineering. Regarding "climate science" NASA seems to be corrupting the historical data, thus violating the supreme principle of science: "Thou shalt bear no false witness.")
I own half a dozen slide rules and have programmed in about 20 languages including 5 assemblers and have used a CRAY back in the day, used to talk with Don Becker (created the bonding linux ethernet driver to make a Beowulf cluster of ham sandwiches) on the regular so yeah, I get it.
And that "had previously precalculated a rule of thumb" is exactly the thing I am saying people are missing now...
Point is, the calculator does not help someone become intimate with the math.
Kinda like learning a few chords on the guitar may get you laid, it does not teach you music theory and how to compose / think in music.
People need to learn to think about and master the basics... like making fucking change would be a good start.
Learning to read ... at least at a 5th grade level would be most gooderest toooo.
NASA has become a shit show for the most part... I am waiting on them to go all in on flat earth next... and make the covering one eye their new symbol...
We lost our way when people started using digital calculators instead of slide rules...
The intimate relationships to math were replaced with lazy "the computer says so"...
Old NASA people could calculate the reentry angle in their heads... now people can't make change for an overcooked thing they claim is a hamburger.
Ever used a slide rule? I have. And if you've never done complex, high-accuracy gasdynamics calculations, you have no idea what a godsend digital calculators are (not to mention computers). You still need to understand the math in order to frame the equations. Anyone can turn off their critical thinking, but those who do so are fools.
I can bet you they would only know the angle in their heads if they had previously precalculated a rule of thumb. I have many criticisms of NASA, but you would be way out of line to think they don't know their level of mathematics. (This pertains to space engineering. Regarding "climate science" NASA seems to be corrupting the historical data, thus violating the supreme principle of science: "Thou shalt bear no false witness.")
BTW... this reminds me of a good ole fashioned /. flame war / pissing contest and was a lot of fun...
grassy ass
(that's spanglish for THANKS MAN!!!)
I own half a dozen slide rules and have programmed in about 20 languages including 5 assemblers and have used a CRAY back in the day, used to talk with Don Becker (created the bonding linux ethernet driver to make a Beowulf cluster of ham sandwiches) on the regular so yeah, I get it.
And that "had previously precalculated a rule of thumb" is exactly the thing I am saying people are missing now...
Point is, the calculator does not help someone become intimate with the math.
Kinda like learning a few chords on the guitar may get you laid, it does not teach you music theory and how to compose / think in music.
People need to learn to think about and master the basics... like making fucking change would be a good start.
Learning to read ... at least at a 5th grade level would be most gooderest toooo.
NASA has become a shit show for the most part... I am waiting on them to go all in on flat earth next... and make the covering one eye their new symbol...