Concerning terminology one more opinion exemplified by this example: I think that it is a VERY BAD HABIT to attach a mathematical meaning to words that have a comun use in every-day language, which come together with all sorts of connotations. Like "schizofrenic". Somebody proposed "schimatic", and I find this a good choice: 1) it is erudite and etimologically justified 2) it sounds right 3) (and more important). It is not a word known in everyday language. For example, I did not know it (neither in spanish, english or french). So, when I would see "schimatic" in a math text, I would say "what the hell does it mean ?", and look at the mathematical definition. Then I will know, and "schimatic" will have attached from now on only its mathematical meaning. I suggest that when in need of a word for a mathematical concept, to look at the LATIN language, which is a DEAD language, so no problems. And furthermore, it has a long tradition for scientific names. (and plurals "topoi" for example ja! sorry Peter) e.d. Tom Leinster wrote:
On Mon, 1 Nov 2010, Dusko Pavlovic wrote:
tom's was just the one where i blew up. i am sorry, tom.
No problem.
I understand that posts about terminology get tedious, but I do actually think this matters. Mental health organizations constantly have to fight misconceptions about mental illness. Those misconceptions can do real harm to those who are ill. Schizophrenia as "split personality" is one of them. For example, Mind, a well-known British mental health charity, says:
There is more media misinformation about schizophrenia than about any other psychiatric diagnosis. It's not true that schizophrenia means 'split personality'
Many websites on mental health contain statements along similar lines; a few links are below.
We have the freedom to choose any term we like for the mathematical concept. We can do a small good thing by not choosing a term that perpetuates a damaging myth about a serious psychiatric disorder.
Best wishes, Tom
Links: http://www.mind.org.uk/help/diagnoses_and_conditions/schizophrenia#danger http://helpguide.org/mental/schizophrenia_symptom.htm http://healthmad.com/mental-health/seven-myths-and-misconceptions-about-schi...
http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_6112881_common-misconceptions-schizophrenia.html
http://overcomingschizophrenia.blogspot.com/2008/09/common-misconceptions-ab...
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