How can you maintain interest in math?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Atomos
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Interest
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the impact of Gödel's incompleteness theorem on perceptions of mathematics and reality. Initially, there is a sense of disillusionment regarding mathematics as an objective truth, with some participants expressing feelings of loss akin to losing faith in a higher power. The conversation shifts to the practical applications of mathematics, with some arguing that it is merely a tool, while others view it as an art form that transcends utility. There are humorous remarks about drugs as a coping mechanism for existential crises, and a debate about whether mathematics can be both a practical tool and a form of artistic expression. Participants reflect on their experiences in academia, noting the blurred lines between disciplines like science and art, and ultimately, the discussion highlights the dual nature of mathematics as both a foundational discipline and a source of aesthetic pleasure.
Atomos
Messages
165
Reaction score
0
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?
 
Physics 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.
 

Similar threads

How would you describe briefly your own mental modeling of chemistry?
2
Replies
69
Views
985
Philosophy of Science: Discussing Maths, Physics, Mind, & AI
Replies
3
Views
3K
Courses What math would I need? (physics-math double major interested in THEP)
Replies
7
Views
2K
W. P. Thurston, "How do mathematicians advance understanding of math?"
Replies
3
Views
3K
What role did Gödel's belief in God play in his mathematical discoveries?
2
Replies
89
Views
16K
I A question about the other observers
Replies
32
Views
2K
Other Difference between Physics and Mathematics
Replies
39
Views
10K
  • Sticky
How to use the "w" in www
Replies
0
Views
4K
Should the public know what you are thinking and concluding?
Replies
10
Views
2K
B The Paradox of 1 – 1 + 1 – 1 + 1 – 1 + …
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top