21 JAN 2014 by ideonexus

 Knowing the World Requires Mathematics

For the things of this world cannot be made known without a knowledge of mathematics. For this is an assured fact in regard to celestial things, siDce two important sciences of mathematics treat of them, namely theoretical astrology and practical astrology. The first. . . gives us definite information as to the number of the heavens and of the stars, whose size can be comprehended by means of instruments, and the shapes of all and their magnitudes and distances from the earth, and thicknesses...
Folksonomies: mathematics knowledge
Folksonomies: mathematics knowledge
  1  notes

Everything can be reduced to mathematics.

24 DEC 2013 by ideonexus

 Rounded Numbers are Cultural Attractors

Rounded numbers are cultural attractors: They are easier to remember and provide better symbols for magnitudes. So we celebrate twentieth wedding anniversaries, hundredth issues of journals, the millionth copy sold of a record, and so on. This, in turn, creates a special cultural attractor for prices, just below rounded numbers—$9.99 or $9,990 are likely price tags—so as to avoid the evocation of a higher magnitude.
Folksonomies: culture mathematics powers
Folksonomies: culture mathematics powers
  1  notes

Dan Sperber on why we like rounded numbers.

11 JUN 2012 by ideonexus

 Science Enhances Spiritual Values

Decades spent in contact with science and its vehicles have directed my mind and senses to areas beyond their reach. I now see scientific accomplishments as a path, not an end; a path leading to and disappearing in mystery. Science, in fact, forms many paths branching from the trunk of human progress; and on every periphery they end in the miraculous. Following these paths far enough, one must eventually conclude that science itself is a miracle—like the awareness of man arising from and th...
Folksonomies: science religion wonder
Folksonomies: science religion wonder
  1  notes

By showing us the magnificence of our universe.

15 DEC 2011 by ideonexus

 Science Must Have Practical Application in Ordinary Life

Though the parallel is not complete, it is safe to say that science will never touch them unaided by its practical applications. Its wonders may be catalogued for purposes of education, they may be illustrated by arresting experiments, by numbers and magnitudes which startle or fatigue the imagination but they will form no familiar portion of the intellectual furniture of ordinary men unless they be connected, however remotely, with the conduct of ordinary life.
Folksonomies: science philosophy change
Folksonomies: science philosophy change
  1  notes

The wonders of science won't hold in people's minds unless they also touch their daily lives.