The discussion revolves around the challenge of explaining the practical applications of advanced mathematical concepts, such as topology and algebra, to individuals unfamiliar with the subject. Participants explore various strategies for addressing the common question, "So what's this used for in real life?" The scope includes theoretical considerations, personal motivations for studying mathematics, and the relationship between pure mathematics and its applications in fields like engineering and physics.
Participants express a range of views on the relationship between mathematics and its applications, with no clear consensus on the best way to address the question of practical use. Some emphasize the intrinsic value of mathematics, while others focus on its utility in various fields.
The discussion reflects a variety of assumptions about the audience's understanding of mathematics and the nature of its applications, with some participants acknowledging the challenge of communicating these concepts effectively.
You told me it is wrong, yes, but I'm not agreeing with you. With logic, sorry, I was thinking of programming logic, which is very simple.fresh_42 said:I told you the metaphor is wrong. Thank you.
Simple? No. Tool? Only a very small part of it is actually in daily use.
fresh_42 said:I think to consider mathematics merely as a tool box, is a bit like high school students think of mathematics as a mean for calculations.
As if it had anything to do with calculations.
The way Mathematics works, is that people also like to explore; and this is what is the study and development of new Mathematics - the insights which Mathematicians and others did not have before.Archie Medes said:I thought the question is the general public asking what the practical use is?
But I also honestly don't see it as anything other than a toolbox. Why do people use mathematics if not to solve problems?
The pursuit of it, well, that is another matter.
dkotschessaa said:This answer is too vague for most people, unfortunately. What tools? What do you mean?
-Dave K
Yes, but is the question "why do you pursue knowledge?" or "what does that knowledge end up used for?"symbolipoint said:The way Mathematics works, is that people also like to explore; and this is what is the study and development of new Mathematics - the insights which Mathematicians and others did not have before.
The way to select the right example is by first asking the questioner about themselves and their lives. If people want a one-size-fits-all answer, well whoever comes up with one will make an absolute fortune in education.Mark Harder said:The kinds of tools we mean are manifold. Perhaps the concept is best communicated to lay persons with a few examples. Read my earlier post about abstract algebra and equations for what I envision as one instructive example.
Archie Medes said:The way to select the right example is by first asking the questioner about themselves and their lives. If people want a one-size-fits-all answer, well whoever comes up with one will make an absolute fortune in education.
Like create credit default swaps or some other financial scam for big bucks.lavinia said:When the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem was announced on the front page of the New York Times a mortgage securities strategist at an investment bank said to me, " How much money did he make spending his whole life on this?" I said "None. He didn't do it for money." He shook his head and said,"What a waste." and walking away - no doubt to go do something practical.