[Fis] If always n>0 why we need log

[Guy A Hoelzer]

Dear Sung et al.,

I appreciate human bias in terms of numerical scale, but I don’t think that is what we actually achieve by using logarithms.  If the universe of possibility is fractal, using a logarithm does not eliminate the problem of large numbers.  I think the primary outcome achieved by using logarithms is that units come to represent proportions rather than absolute (fixed scale) amounts.  It reveals an aspect of scale-free form.



On Jun 3, 2018, at 10:42 AM, Sungchul Ji <sji at pharmacy.rutgers.edu<mailto:sji at pharmacy.rutgers.edu>> wrote:


Hi Krassimir,

I think the main reason that we express 'information'  as a logarithmic function of the number of choices available, n, may be because the human brain finds it easier to remember (and communicate and reason with)  10 than  10000000000, or 100 than 1000000000. . . . 00000, etc.

All the best.

Sung



________________________________
From: Krassimir Markov <markov at foibg.com<mailto:markov at foibg.com>>
Sent: Sunday, June 3, 2018 12:06 PM
To: Foundation of Information Science
Cc: Sungchul Ji
Subject: If always n>0 why we need log

Dear Sung,

A simple question:

If always n>0 why we need log in

I = -log_2(m/n) = - log_2 (m) + log_2(n)   (1)

Friendly greetings

Krassimir


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