why is it that you think you know the correct interpretation of mathematics?
Im actually not a huge math guy.... I took business calc and have some specialized stat knowledge from my years as a poker player, but its not like im good will hunting or anything.
But i think a good place to start is understanding that its not a matter of interpretation.
Maybe it's incorrect to say that it "equals" -1/12
Another good place to start is not using quotes around the word equals like its subject to multiple meanings or interpretations.
Hell, I even read the article you mentioned from Scientific American and it doesn't really dismiss the importance of the -1/12 answer to the sum of positive integer problem.
OMG youre not really defending that still are you?
It's kind of like Bill Clinton debating the definition of "is" is
Yes. Its exactly like that. Thats why bill clinton looked so silly and evasive. Because he was posing that there were multiple interpretations to word with such a clear cut and obvious meaning.
So for example, if i say "The some of a series of positive rational integers is always going to be a positive rational integer"
ANd you say "that might be true, it all depends on what your definition of is is. WIth the right definition of is, the sum might be a negative fraction" then yeah total absurdity follows.