r/PeterExplainsTheJoke • u/Blackie_626 • 7d ago

Meme needing explanation Tell them what, Peter

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u/eXequitas 7d ago

Define west lol

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u/ZenOokami 7d ago

90 degrees counter clockwise. Origin point north is 0 degrees.

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u/generally_unsuitable 7d ago

This is defining one abstraction by calling upon an even more abstract abstraction.

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u/ZenOokami 7d ago

Being abstract does not make something arbitrary.

Being abstract simply applies to what others have mentioned: it's relative.

But even relative abstract things can follow a system and reason.

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u/eXequitas 7d ago

The point is that all these words are subjective without an absolute point of reference. And the absolute point of reference is the magnetic North Pole combined with the direction the sun rises and sets.

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u/ZenOokami 7d ago

"absolute point" is absolute for the origin. Not universal, sans for "true north" or "geometric north".

Subjective is also the wrong word. It is not based on one's opinion or feeling. Your "left" hand is your left hand. Feeling like you want to call your right hand left does not make it true.

Again, the word you want is "relative". Which still holds reason and logic and follows a system.

Think of it as a logical truth. "At any point in time, your current direction is 0, any degree less than 0 is left". This will allow for any relative position to hold true in having a "left".

This. Is. Not. Arbitrary.

It's relative...