Alternative Fruit
Alternative Fruit
  • Alternative Fruit
  • Grotto
    • Journals >
      • Choose Love Home
      • It's Good To Know
      • Sound Read Home >
        • Sound Read 5
        • Sound Read 4
        • Sound Read 3
        • Sound Read 2
        • Sound Read 1
        • The Legacy Review
        • Reviews Archive
      • Subway Scene
  • Donate
  • Shop Partners
    • Amazon
    • eBay.com
    • eBay.co.uk
    • Seed City (18+)
    • Cotton On
    • Passive Income
  • Alternative Fruit
  • Grotto
    • Journals >
      • Choose Love Home
      • It's Good To Know
      • Sound Read Home >
        • Sound Read 5
        • Sound Read 4
        • Sound Read 3
        • Sound Read 2
        • Sound Read 1
        • The Legacy Review
        • Reviews Archive
      • Subway Scene
  • Donate
  • Shop Partners
    • Amazon
    • eBay.com
    • eBay.co.uk
    • Seed City (18+)
    • Cotton On
    • Passive Income

It's Good To Know

The Paradox of Mathematics

1/8/2017

Comments

 
Rain
Rain
by Kultur

In philosophy circles, the idea of mathematics often sparks fuelled discussion. The phenomenon of number is strange in that it exists in the realm of human thought but adequately explains the natural world. Knowing whether numbers are an invention or a natural aspect of the universe is not easy because we don't see nature doing mathematics, it just happens that way and we, with our tools of language, describe it. It is this language that defines the way things work. With linguistic languages, we can make perfectly adequate lies which do not break any rules. These lies however do not alter reality. But in mathematics, if an equation is false, then it is seen to be so by nature of the language. When a statement is true, it represents the natural balance in the universe. This makes mathematics more than a language, it is a statement of perfection and balance.


But when we learn how to do mathematics at school or at home, we need time to grasp the concepts. We take each section of the subject one at a time and build from foundations of counting and arithmetic. It's not natural to us to do maths and some of us find it incredibly difficult. This presents a paradox in that for something to be naturally universal, it takes a lot of mental effort to learn. Do animals know mathematics? The answer is that some do. It has been shown that primates and other high functioning animals know how to count. Monkeys in some examples have out-performed humans. Even fishes can tell when there are fewer objects in their pool. This suggests that there is a basic non-lingual sense of number within us that begins before we learn the language of mathematics. This would bridge the paradox, in that what we describe is something within us as well as in the universe, making it truly a universal concept.


Now, it has been shown that babies also can count. Without using symbols to represent numbers, babies have been show to use number theory in the games they play. By comparing sizes, using symbols, and by comparing amounts, pre-school age children have been shown to demonstrate a variety of number skills without any formal education. This shows that the number abilities within primates are in us also, as evolved functions of our mind. It isn't just primates, various species have basic quantitative skills. But what does this mean for people? Teaching mathematics is a key part of education around the world. By understanding and appreciating how numbers are hot-wired into our minds, it is hoped that we can tap into our biological abilities to understand and use number in more inventive and managed ways.  

To explore mathematics in all its beauty, have a look at this book : The Mathematics Lover's Companion
Allposters.com

Your donations and use of our commerce links help keep us online and updated! Thanks for your support.
Comments
    Picture

    Author

    Rowan Blair Colver for Alternative Fruit

    ​Part of the Homunculus Media Group

    Love free education? Want more of it? You can show your support! Thank you so much to everyone who does.
    Picture
    Discover Your Path To Online Education
    Join today. Get Udemy online courses from £11.99. We love our learners.
    *
    Learn Network & Security. Get complete video courses for as low as $11.99.
    We Rely On Our Readers.
    Support with any purchase.


    Amazon 

    Amazon UK

    eBay

    eBay UK

    Awesome. Thanks!
    Alternative Fruit
    FutureLearn Limited
    ABCmouse.com

    Archives

    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016

    RSS Feed

    What do you think? Homunculus Media
    What do you think?
Shop to Support Alternative Fruit
  • ​Posters and Prints
  • ​Vintage Clothing
  • Free Education​
  • Flights
​Thanks for supporting Alternative Fruit
Read our Privacy Policy here
For people, for peace, with love.
​Made in the UK by Homunculus Media