Mathematics
- a group of related
sciences, including algebra, geometry, and calculus, concerned with the study
of number, quantity, shape, and space and their interrelationships by using a
specialized notation
- The study of
the measurement, relationships, and properties of quantities and sets, using
numbers and symbols. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus are branches
of mathematics.
Reference: retrieved from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/mathematics
retrieved on December 8, 2013
Whenever
someone is asked what is math I bet his/her answer would basically lie
somewhere along with the ideas presented above. Well I guess I couldn’t blame
the person about his/her opinion because that is what we’ve been learning and
encountered in our education. We often see math as a complex collection of
ideas used in solving physical problems involving quantities but is it really
the essence of math?
In
the book written by Reuben Hersh, entitled What is Mathematics Really he tried
to share his thought about what is mathematics by presenting his arguments and
basis. First he tried to show the
philosophy behind mathematics, according to my understanding in doing math one
must start with an axiom or theory then look at the problem and try to find
things that would help you understand the problem better by making assumptions
and then draw out conclusions with respect to the axiom. In this regard we
basically need to have a set of rules that would govern our approach in solving
the problem and then processes needed to carry out such operation.
Another
point Hersh stated in the book is that we need to take look at the history of
mathematics the persons involved who made great contributions in the field of
math. These persons also have this so called philosophy, in which they follow
as a mathematician. As a result the society derived the idea that mathematics
is a man-made enterprise making it humanistic in nature. This is because man
was the one who formulated the general rules and processes that we are
attributing to different mathematical operations. Along history mathematics was
used alongside science to further understand concepts and try to explain
phenomenon happening in the physical world. During the Middle Ages religion and
science are having this kind of conflict when science tried to explain the
origin of life contrary to what religion is promoting the idea of creationism.
Mathematics was also compromised because in a way mathematics is supporting
science, as an alternative mathematicians tried to establish laws that would
try to get on the good side of the church. This is a clear manifestation that
mathematics is indeed humanistic since the predisposition of man can affect the
way we do math.
Hersh
then defined math as something way beyond the definition presented above by
incorporating the social aspect and the culture of the society developed
through history. We should not be limited to what theories present but rather
we should widen the possible horizon that math could explore but we should also
not neglect the fact that math should revolve around the philosophies of
science where everything has a definite explanation, consistency and
sensibility.
Indeed, Hersh was able to clearly state his points.. and had his own way in presenting it. but i think he failed in making people understand it better because of his choice of words (there were some parts that were fun to read though). or idk.. maybe it's just me. hahaha
ReplyDeleteMany people rely on how the dictionary defines math. I think this is the main reason why most of us misunderstand it because we never realize its true meaning and essence.
ReplyDeleteIt is true, the essence of math nowadays seem to focus on the physical solving of problems. but that's not the true essence of math, it should be a part of our lives. not merely solving problems, when you don't even know the purpose of it.
ReplyDelete