nietSI

NietSI is a fictional framework of measurement that rejects the International System of Units (SI) in favor of an alternative, self-contained set of base units and conventions. It appears in thought experiments, educational discussions, and some science fiction contexts as a tool for exploring how unit systems shape scientific practice, technology, and standardization. The name combines niet, meaning “not,” with SI to signal its opposition to SI norms.

Conceptually, nietSI proposes a coherent set of base units anchored to human-scale references or reproducible artifacts rather than internationally agreed prototypes. For example, a base unit of length might be defined by a specified step or by markers on a standard reference bar, while a base unit of time could be tied to a fixed number of observable cycles under standard conditions. Derived units are formed from these base units through straightforward, non-decimal relationships, and explicit conversion factors to SI are provided to facilitate occasional interoperability when necessary.

In use, nietSI serves mainly as an educational or philosophical thought experiment. Proponents argue that examining an alternative system highlights the social and practical dimensions of measurement, such as reproducibility, accessibility, and global coordination. Critics point out the difficulties of non-SI systems in scientific collaboration, industry, and data exchange, noting that fragmentation can hinder comparability and cumulative knowledge. Despite these criticisms, nietSI is discussed as a historical and pedagogical probe into how units arise, evolve, and influence scientific inquiry.