How can you maintain interest in math?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around maintaining interest in mathematics, particularly in light of philosophical challenges such as Gödel's incompleteness theorem and interpretations of quantum mechanics. Participants explore various perspectives on the nature of mathematics, its applications, and its perceived value.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a crisis of faith in mathematics due to Gödel's theorem, questioning how others maintain interest in the subject.
  • Another suggests that drugs could be a humorous solution to existential woes related to mathematics.
  • Some participants argue that mathematics is merely a tool, while others contend it is a form of art, highlighting the subjective nature of its appreciation.
  • A participant emphasizes the practical applications of mathematics in engineering, suggesting that its utility can sustain interest despite philosophical challenges.
  • There is a discussion about the duality of mathematics as both a tool and an art form, with differing opinions on whether it can embody both qualities.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about the academic distinction between faculties of sciences and arts in their graduate studies, reflecting on the nature of academic disciplines.
  • Another participant posits that Gödel's theorem may refute itself, indicating a personal interpretation that may not be widely accepted.
  • Several participants express their personal interest in mathematics, citing various reasons for their engagement with the subject.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of mathematics, with multiple competing views on its significance, utility, and philosophical implications remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes varying interpretations of Gödel's theorem and its implications, as well as differing views on the relationship between mathematics and other disciplines, which may depend on personal experiences and definitions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring the philosophical aspects of mathematics, those seeking to understand different perspectives on its value, and anyone grappling with their own engagement with the subject.

Atomos
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Up until yesterday, I had thought mathematics was the foundation of an objective reality that exists outside our mind. I saw mathematics as embodying perfection. But, yesterday I came upon Goedel's incompleteness theorem, and the conclusions that can be derived from it. I feel as if I have lost faith in a god; I am sure my belief in mathematics was psychologically related to a belief in a god. How can you mathematicians and physicists, maintain interest in mathematics with the advent of things such as the Copenhagen interpretation and Goedel's incompleteness theorem?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Drugs. Hard drugs.
 
so my life is over already? At the age of 16? There are only drugs to cure my woes?
 
Look at this way:if suddenly people would lose interest in mathematics,many of them would lose their jobs,go broke & die hungry...:wink: :-p

Daniel.

P.S.Message:Phuck Gödel & his theorem!:mad:
 
There are people who are actually interested in maths? No way!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Maths is a tool, that's all. Learn how to use it, then go and find a proper interest!

(Hmm, having said that, I do know some spanner enthusiasts.)
 
Hey, there may be Gödel's theorem, but as long maths can be applied by engineers who build airplanes etc. and it works, then everything's fine.
 
brewnog said:
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Maths is a tool, that's all. Learn how to use it, then go and find a proper interest!
Thankfully there are lots of people who disagree with that.
 
devious_ said:
Thankfully there are lots of people who disagree with that.

Yep, math is a form of art.
 
Atomos said:
so my life is over already? At the age of 16? There are only drugs to cure my woes?

Yes. Ssh don't tell anyone - the government drugs our water in order to give us the will to live, in spite of Godel's Incompleteness Theorem. You must have stopped drinking water in the last couple days. Dehydrated?
 
  • #10
the government drugs our water in order to give us the will to live, in spite of Godel's Incompleteness Theorem.
Ahahaha :smile:
 
  • #11
PerennialII said:
Yep, math is a form of art.
It can't be both? (a tool and art)

A good slide rule is a lot more than just a handy tool for solving quadratic equations and vector problems. It provides an aesthetic pleasure far beyond just getting the right answer.

A good car is a lot more than just a handy way to get from home to work. Some people see them as works of art, even going to the point of building models of them. On the other hand, some people are just scary - model car Click "Next Photo" for close up of front end. In fact click Previous or Next to see entire collection of model cars (Previous is best - such violence! The airbag was a nice touch, but were the blood stains necessary? And as to the guy who built an entire junk yard of wrecked model cars!??).

Err, uh :rolleyes: I mean brewnog's right. Quite obsessing over it and look out your window once in a while (real life's much better - btw, do BMW's inspire violence in anyone else, or is it just me? BMW
 
  • #12
BobG said:
It can't be both? (a tool and art)

When I was in grad school at U. Wisconsin in the early 60's, you could take your Ph.D. in either the faculty of sciences or the faculty of arts. The difference was in the color of your hood. I "solved" the problem by not getting a Ph.D .
 
  • #13
selfAdjoint said:
When I was in grad school at U. Wisconsin in the early 60's, you could take your Ph.D. in either the faculty of sciences or the faculty of arts. The difference was in the color of your hood. I "solved" the problem by not getting a Ph.D .


Heh, here you can choose to graduate with a BA or a BSc in psychology. The course contents are identical!
 
  • #14
IMO Godel refutes his own theorem. But I have only briefly looked at it, so I may be wrong.

Math is the bridge between art and science. That's GRANDEUR for you.
 
  • #15
I'm interested in math. Of course I have a lot of lay-around time: easy livin' where you been so long :smile:
 
  • #16
I am still only a relative beginner in math but it is a discipline whereby the human ability to think can be truly extended. To me, that makes it very interesting.
 

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