Two plus two equals five (2 + 2 = 5) is a mathematical falsehood which is used as an example of a simple logical error that is obvious to anyone familiar with basic arithmetic. In contemporary history, it originated as a theme and as a subject in the arts such as 1920 imagist art manifesto 2 x 2 = 5 by the poet Vadim Shershenevich and Orwell’s dystopian novel titled “1984“. In standard mathematics, it cannot be proven without making a mistake, changing the definitions or engaging in logical trickery. However, people over the Internet have crafted fallacious proofs to make it seem true.
A simple way to prove is by using the ‘Redefinition Trick‘. If you redefine what “2”, “+”, or “5” means, you can force the equation to be valid. Suppose in some made-up system, “2” actually stands for the equality 2.5, and “5” stands for 4, it delivers as 2 + 2 = 2.5 + 2.5 = 5. But this is actually a logical trickery by redefining symbols, not true arithmetic. Another famous trick uses ‘Algebraic Fallacy‘ that involves using invalid steps (hidden division by zero). These manipulative redefinitions are made to either expose flawed reasoning or to make a philosophical point.
In George Orwell’s 1984, “2 + 2 = 5” is used as a metaphor of power over truth i.e., if the government regime says something is true, you’re forced to believe it. In this commentary, I will explore this simple arithmetic falsehood that is often used metaphorically to represent government propaganda, symbolising the manipulation of truth across different periods of modern history, including the World Wars and contemporary times. I will also interpret this fallacy in the context of the Kashmir’s Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-backed militants.
Orwell’s Idea of 2 + 2 = 5 as a Metaphor for Political Propaganda
Image Credit: Medium
About the Author
Anirudh Phadke is the Founder, Publisher & Editor of The Viyug and The Phadke Journals. He is currently serving as a Member of the Board of Studies (BoS) for the Department of Defence & Strategic Studies at the Guru Nanak College (Autonomous). He previously worked for International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
Anirudh holds a Master of Science in Strategic Studies along with a Certificate in Terrorism Studies from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). He completed Bachelor’s degree in Defence & Strategic Studies from Guru Nanak College (Autonomous).
