Math vs. the social scientist*

We had to move our bed to a different wall when we put the window AC in earlier this week. Later in the week the following bedtime conversation ensued:

DH: I like the room like this, it gives us more space.

Me: It can't give us more space, the bed takes up the same amount of space and the room didn't get bigger.

DH: But see we have more space to move around.

Me: No we don't, it's just different space.

DH: Still, it seems like more.

Me: Yes, it seems like more, but actual areawise it can't be. The bed takes up the same footprint, moving it leaves the same amount of area free. Mathamatically it's the same amount of space.

DH: I know, but it seems like more

Me: Ah yes, but really it's perceived space, not real space

DH: I think that perception is reality

Me: No, that's why they have two different words and two different meanings.

DH: Let's go to sleep.

Me: Why?

At which point we decided this conversation was getting far too academic and philosophical for bedtime.

What do you think? Is our perception our reality, or do the laws of space and time have to hold true?


*this post is in no way an insult to social scientists, they provide an essential part of our world knowledge. I love mine with all my heart and his point of view different from my own is what makes my world complete and interesting.