This is a basic fact in mathematics and without it this...

This is a basic fact in mathematics and without it this science would be nullified." "What do you mean?" "I mean that we cannot say that the water in this glass, for example, is both hot and cold. It is either hot or cold. We cannot say that the sun is both bright and dark at the same time, or that something is long and short." "What does this have to do with mathematics?" "For instance, we say that one plus one equals two; a basic fact in this science.

We cannot say one plus one equals three, it is in contradiction with the symbol meaning equal to. It is a well-known fact. So the empiricist either believes it or doesn't. If he does, is it from experimenting?" "So it is impossible to bring opposites together." "Yes," said Dr. Miyad. "Such a result is the outcome of rational reasoning, which needs no experiment. Warqa then said, "It may be the result of long experience.

Opposites in the universe cannot be found together." "Such a thing may indicate the non-existence of opposites being together, not the probability of such an occurance. Such a thing can never be the result of experimentation." "What if they believe in its possibility?" asked Warqa. "Then they might abolish the most important science: mathematics." Dr. Miyad was silent for several minutes to give Warqa time to think about the discussion.

Warqa was interested in the subject and had listened attentively. She said, "I was in need of such information and I still need more." "When will you come again then?" asked Dr. Miyad. "I will come as soon as I get the chance. Now I should go home, my grandmother might be worried. Warqa visited Dr. Miyad from time to time. One day she arrived home late and found that her grandmother was angry and demanded to know where she had been. Warqa guessed that her grandmother knew of her visits to Dr.

Miyad and waited for her to say so. "Why are you asking me, grandma?" she inquired. "Have you come directly from the college?" Warqa did not lie, but simply replied, "No." "From the hospital," said Warqa. "I know that you see Dr. Miyad often," said her grandmother angrily. "Admit it. I thought you were wise enough not to meet with the daughter of your father's murderer." Warqa said quietly, "How did you guess?" "I asked your friends." "What's wrong with that?

I refused the proposal of her brother, but I won't give up her friendship.