>[!abstract] >A howler is a flawed mathematical line of reasoning that accidentally leads to a correct result. If the error is intentional and meant to mislead, then it is a mathematical [[Sophism|sophism]]. >[!example] Example: invalid cancellation of terms leading to a correct result >$ \begin{flalign} \frac{16}{64} = \frac{1\cancel6}{\cancel64} = \frac{1}{4} && \end{flalign} $ >[!note] >I consider howlers to be mathematical instantiations of [[Moral luck|moral luck]] ("making the right mistake") and of [[Gettier problem|Gettier problems]] ("being right for the wrong reason"). >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): [[Gettier problem]] >- **West** (similar): [[Sophism]] >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): —