18 JUN 2013 by ideonexus
The Mathematical Image
The proof is elegant and the result profound. Still, it is typical mathematics; so,
it’s a good example to reflect upon. In doing so, we will begin to see the elements
of the mathematical image, the standard conception of what mathematics is. Let’s
begin a list of some commonly accepted aspects. By ‘commonly accepted’ I mean
that they would be accepted by most working mathematicians, by most educated
people, and probably by most philosophers of mathematics, as well. In listing
them as...Folksonomies: mathematics philosophy
Folksonomies: mathematics philosophy
How mathematics provides certainty, objectivity,
18 MAY 2011 by ideonexus
Thomas Jefferson was a Scientist
Thomas Jefferson was a scientist. That's how he described himself.
When you visit his home at Monticello, Virginia, the moment you enter its portals you find ample evidence of his scientific
interests - not just in his immense and varied library, but in
copying machines, automatic doors, telescopes and other instruments,
some at the cutting edge of early nineteenth-century technology.
Some he invented, some he copied, some he purchased. He
compared the plants and animals in America with Euro...He called himself such and took delight in technology.
18 MAY 2011 by ideonexus
We Must Interrogate Nature
Greek mathematics was a brilliant step forward. Greek science,
on the other hand - its first steps rudimentary and often uninformed
by experiment - was riddled with error. Despite the fact
that we cannot see in pitch darkness, they believed that vision
depends on a kind of radar that emanates from the eye, bounces
off what we're seeing, and returns to the eye. (Nevertheless, they
made substantial progress in optics.) Despite the obvious resemblance
of children to their mothers, they believed ...Folksonomies: superstition free inquiry
Folksonomies: superstition free inquiry
Being non-superstitious isn't enough.