OTF Thinking Thread
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PointlessR
Nov 15, 2025
0
#201
#191 it’s a thought experiment. The whole point is to see how we might react to a strange situation which tests our ethics. We can apply different moral principles to it or derive our own principles from it.
Any tool, including sarcasm, can be wielded in more than one manner. Sarcasm: the use of irony to mock or show contempt. It is tricky to use sarcasm in a manner which is not mean-spirited, but it is possible, nonetheless.
Nov 15, 2025
0
#204
#206 I don’t think it is tricky at all. The example you gave in 202 perfectly captures how sarcasm isn’t always rude. In fact when it isn’t direct towards someone(who isn’t yourself) it is never rude.
I think even if it is towards someone else it doesn't have to be rude you can be sarcastic to someone and if it's a friend they would understand I am joking
# 207. Agreed. I should have spoken more accurately. It is easy to use sarcasm in a mean spirited fashion, but not required.
Nov 15, 2025
0
#207
Here’s a relatively simple but nice mathematics question:
A bag contains x counters.
7 of these counters are blue.
Sam takes a counter randomly and doesn’t replace it.
Jill takes a counter after.
The probability they both got blue counters is 0.2
Find the number of counters in the bag.
A bag contains x counters.
7 of these counters are blue.
Sam takes a counter randomly and doesn’t replace it.
Jill takes a counter after.
The probability they both got blue counters is 0.2
Find the number of counters in the bag.
21 initially. 19 now.
1/3 * 3/5 = 1/5 = .2. versus 7/21 * 6/20.
Opps
Did it in my head, and demonstrates my error
So, I am sure I am incorrect!
7/15 * 6/14 = 1/2 *2/5. So, please forbear my error. 15 initially , 13 after Jill.
I calculated 42/.2, then factored 210. Initially I jumped at 21x20. So I was combining trial and error rather than using the quadratic. But of course the correct factorization was 15x14 in this case.
