Something recently occurred to me which I find rather interesting.
The word "or" is usually used to convey that there are two sets of options and only one of them is applicable. One or the other. In boolean algebra, or is indicated by a +. It represents parallel options. To get to your destination, you can go through door 1 or door 2. If just one of them is unlocked then you can go through.
This is opposed to "and", which in boolean algebra is multiplication and in logical operations would represent something in series. If you had to go through two doors in series to get to your destination, and one of them were locked, then you don't get to your destination. Door 1 AND door 2 both need to be unlocked.
But I've found instances of use of the word "or" in the English language where it's actually used in place of an "and", and thus, poses a threat of miscommunication.
For example, the phrase, "I do not want or need your input!" If we assume "or" is being used in the proper context, then the person might want our input, but does not need it, or the person doesn't want our input, but needs it.
"Or" demands it be one of the two options and not both.
If the person both does not want our input, and does not need it, then the proper way of stating this would be "I do not want your input, nor do I need it" or "I do not need your input and I do not want it."
***Note: I have put this in the General Autism Discussion because I feel it is a potential communication trap that those on the spectrum are vulnerable to***
Last edited by Chronos on 29 Apr 2011, 11:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
29 Apr 2011, 10:21 pm
