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Comment by l0b0

3 years ago

Yep. Obviously this is a thought experiment, and the site did tell users to take the problem as stated very literally. So I basically went with two simple rules:

- Would anyone call it a vehicle?

- Is it in the park?

33 comments

l0b0

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madeofpalk  3 years ago

So that includes wheelchair? Would anyone call it a vehicle?

  • michaelt  3 years ago

    Personally I wouldn't call a wheelchair a vehicle for purposes of this question, but I think some people would call a wheelchair a vehicle, yes.

    After all, bicycles are clearly vehicles, and bicycles and wheelchairs are both things with metal frames, wheels and seats designed to convey humans around under their own power.

    Other than the placement of the wheels, the main difference is the character of its use.

    • bscphil  3 years ago

      > I think some people would call a wheelchair a vehicle

      I think, just being overly annoying and literal, that the game shouldn't be answered by asking whether anyone would call a wheelchair a vehicle, but whether a wheelchair is a vehicle in the sense meant in the rule statement. I don't think it is, personally, though it's probably the closest non-vehicle in the list.

      Strictly speaking, by the definition of "would anyone call this object a vehicle", every single thing on the list is a vehicle, because apparently at least ~2% of the quiz respondents said they were vehicles - including kites!

    • kevinmchugh  3 years ago

      Speed and impact on the user are meaningful differences. I don't like bikes in parks (except those designed for them) because the bikes are moving much faster than anything else. For that reason I might feel that a small child on a bike is more permissible than an adult. Also that the carried skateboard is not a violation - I understand the rule to be about vehicle use more than presence

      1 reply →

  • bhaney  3 years ago

    Yes, I think it's reasonable to consider a wheelchair to be a vehicle. Especially the motorized ones.

    • mcny  3 years ago

      I said, no. A wheelchair is not a vehicle. In my opinion, the wheelchair is an extension of the person, and not a separate object as long as it is being used by someone who needs it.

      8 replies →

    • ClumsyPilot  3 years ago

      Roller skates are clearly not a vehicle. Similarly, neither is a wheelchair. They are not reasonably separable form the person using them.

      A bicycle actually goes on roads, follow rules and get a ticket for jumping a red light.

      4 replies →

  • klyrs  3 years ago

    I wouldn't ordinarily define a wheelchair as a vehicle. But I looked up a definition:

    a thing used for transporting people or goods

    On this basis, I conclude that wheelchairs, roller skates and carried skatebords are vehicles, and horses are not (as thing implies non-sentience).