One of the most debated questions throughout human history concerns whether or not math, one of the most useful areas of knowledge, was discovered or invented. Of course, many people have evidence and theories to what they think proves either side, yet the question still remains unanswered. When analyzing this question, it is important to fully understand the difference between the terms “discovered” and “invented”. Discovered can be defined as finding something or someone either unexpectedly or while searching. This is contrasted against the definition for invented which can be defined as creating, designing or producing something that has not existed before. With such different meanings, one must question how it is still unknown whether or not mathematics was found among nature or created in the mind. When developing something so basic as the number systems, did the human race invent math or simply discover the coding already written into the universe? Was math created to describe occurrences in nature or was it the reason patterns in nature occur? To put it more simply, does or does not math exist independent of humans? Did it exist before humans came along, and will it continue to exist after their extinction? There does not seem to be an agreed upon conclusion for these questions, however, it is important to analyze both sides of the argument. Overall, the best question to ask is, how do we know whether or not math is discovered or invented? Using various ways of knowing, examples, theories, and ideas both sides are exposed and reveal that they both are supported by plausible evidence and theories.
When proving that math was in fact discovered by humans, many turn to occurrences in nature and in the universe as their proo...
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...mber of people in a town or how to divide rations equally in a family.
Finally, although the question, how do we know if math discovered or invented, still remains unanswered, it is left unanswered with good reason seeing as their does not seem to be a side to the argument stronger than the other. Although both have compelling arguments supported with examples, theories and ideas, neither seems to take precedence over the other. To compromise between the opposing perspectives, it can be concluded that the mathematical relationships already existed, and were then discovered and interpreted through the invented representations such as formulas and equations. In other words, the structures of mathematics were prebuilt into the universe, then we came along to realize this and understand its workings only to further elaborate on this and use math as a predictive power.
Abstract: This paper gives an insight into the Mathematics used by the American Indians. The history of American Indians and how they incorporated mathematics into their lives is scarce. However from the information retrieved by Archeologists, we have an idea of the type of mathematics that was used by American Indians.
Geometry, a cornerstone in modern civilization, also had its beginnings in Ancient Greece. Euclid, a mathematician, formed many geometric proofs and theories [Document 5]. He also came to one of the most significant discoveries of math, Pi. This number showed the ratio between the diameter and circumference of a circle.
I also learned that mathematics was more than merely an intellectual activity: it was a necessary tool for getting a grip on all sorts of problems in science and engineering. Without mathematics there is no progress. However, mathematics could also show its nasty face during periods in which problems that seemed so simple at first sight refused to be solved for a long time. Every math student will recognize these periods of frustration and helplessness.
Mathematics is used to pay bills and to cook to give a few examples. It is also used to figure out different formulas for space. Mathematics is used for computing
As you can see, if it were not for math, none of these incredible artists and creations would exist. Today, when we think of these art forms and we have no idea what it really took to invent them. I know I did until researching how incredible mathematics can really be. This research project opened my eyes completely and allowed me to appreciate art and mathematics more. This topic fascinated me immensely and I got so much out of it that I only hope you will too once you view my presentation.
Even though Aristotle’s contributions to mathematics are significantly important and lay a strong foundation in the study and view of the science, it is imperative to mention that Aristotle, in actuality, “never devoted a treatise to philosophy of mathematics” [5]. As aforementioned, even his books never truly leaned toward a specific philosophy on mathematics, but rather a form or manner in which to attempt to understand mathematics through certain truths.
» Part 1 Logarithms initially originated in an early form along with logarithm tables published by the Augustinian Monk Michael Stifel when he published ’Arithmetica integra’ in 1544. In the same publication, Stifel also became the first person to use the word ‘exponent’ and the first to indicate multiplication without the use of a symbol. In addition to mathematical findings, he also later anonymously published his prediction that at 8:00am on the 19th of October 1533, the world would end and it would be judgement day. However the Scottish astronomer, physicist, mathematician and astrologer John Napier is more famously known as the person who discovered them due to his work in 1614 called ‘Mirifici Logarithmorum Canonis Descriptio’.
The Scientific Revolution was sparked through Nicolaus Copernicusí unique use of mathematics. His methods developed from Greek astr...
Mathematics is everywhere we look, so many things we encounter in our everyday lives have some form of mathematics involved. Mathematics the language of understanding the natural world (Tony Chan, 2009) and is useful to understand the world around us. The Oxford Dictionary defines mathematics as ‘the science of space, number, quantity, and arrangement, whose methods, involve logical reasoning and use of symbolic notation, and which includes geometry, arithmetic, algebra, and analysis of mathematical operations or calculations (Soanes et al, Concise Oxford Dictionary,
Historically speaking, ancient inventors of Greek origin, mathematicians such as Archimedes of Syracuse, and Antiphon the Sophist, were the first to discover the basic elements that translated into what we now understand and have formed into the mathematical branch called calculus. Archimedes used infinite sequences of triangular areas to calculate the area of a parabolic segment, as an example of summation of an infinite series. He also used the Method of Exhaustion, invented by Antiphon, to approximate the area of a circle, as an example of early integration.
Burton, D. (2011). The History of Mathematics: An Introduction. (Seventh Ed.) New York, NY. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
The history of math has become an important study, from ancient to modern times it has been fundamental to advances in science, engineering, and philosophy. Mathematics started with counting. In Babylonia mathematics developed from 2000B.C. A place value notation system had evolved over a lengthy time with a number base of 60. Number problems were studied from at least 1700B.C. Systems of linear equations were studied in the context of solving number problems.
What is math? If you had asked me that question at the beginning of the semester, then my answer would have been something like: “math is about numbers, letters, and equations.” Now, however, thirteen weeks later, I have come to realize a new definition of what math is. Math includes numbers, letters, and equations, but it is also so much more than that—math is a way of thinking, a method of solving problems and explaining arguments, a foundation upon which modern society is built, a structure that nature is patterned by…and math is everywhere.
As mathematics has progressed, more and more relationships have ... ... middle of paper ... ... that fit those rules, which includes inventing additional rules and finding new connections between old rules. In conclusion, the nature of mathematics is very unique and as we have seen in can we applied everywhere in world. For example how do our street light work with mathematical instructions? Our daily life is full of mathematics, which also has many connections to nature.
The pre- science phase unrolled in the ancient years. In those years science appeared in Egypt, Greece, India, etc. These ancient researchers put the bases for the development of science and gave to the society very important information about astronomy, mathematics, physics and medicine. In this phase we could report that the ideas were not very systematic. The theoretical development was in a very low level and so was the development in mathematics. The importance of this phase was the primitive discoveries that took place. (Dr. Nedeva Maria, Lecture “The story of science”, 2006)