Buckets vs Glass

[Synovia]

Thumbs aren't fingers? I had no idea. Are pinky's fingers? Middle fingers, ring fingers and pointer fingers are definitely fingers, it's right there in the name. But thumbs and pinky's give no indication that they're fingers. I'm going to have to google this one.

I've heard "pinky finger" before, but never "thumb finger" so I'm gonna have to go with the OP on this one.

 

[mikeysab]

Wow, so you're saying that thumbs are not actually fingers. When both my daughters were born I asked the doctor, "ten fingers and ten toes, doc?". and he said yes both times. So what he really meant to say was "Actually, 8 fingers and 2 thumbs". Ok, I'm really gonna google this now.

 

[mikeysab]

according to Answers.com

The thumb on the human hand has only two phalanges whereas human fingers each have 3 phalanges. This give the thumb greater movement and enables it to do things the fingers can't do. Collectively the fingers and thumbs are known as digits. The thumb is said to be opposable to the fingers.

By definition, the thumb is both a finger and not a finger. "Finger" can mean any of the four digits besides the thumb OR any digit including the thumb. It is up to the person to decide whether or not the thumb is considered a finger.

 

[Revvy]

By definition, the thumb is both a finger and not a finger.

AHHHH that makes my head hurt to comprehend. The thumb is the schrodinger's cat of body parts. :fro:

Uh, the thumb IS still technically a body part, right?

 

[mikeysab]

Well now we don't know. If the thumb isn't a finger, then maybe it's not a body part either. This argument is perfect for HBT though. With all the "Primary vs no primary", Glass vs. Plastic, Al vs SS, dry yeast vs. liquid yeast......arguments out there, this one should generate a lot of interest.

 

[billf2112]

I sure hope this thumb/finger argument does not end up in the Supreme Court, we may end up with them outlawing home brewing.

 

[lschiavo]

Wow! I step away for a while and miss this whole thumb/finger debate. Looks like it is all sorted out though....

By definition, the thumb is both a finger and not a finger.

 

[sportscrazed2]

honestly what is have to say is that use whatever is cheapest. this is from the point of view of a college student with very little disposable income.

 

[PorterIdontknowher]

Ok, I have the answer to the "Is the thumb a finger?" If the thumb isn't a finger, you can't flick someone a middle finger. Q.E.D.

The two vs. three bones thing is just weird that in 37 years on this planet, I'd never noticed it...