Is Math Useless? A Troubling Belief & Its Evidence

  • Thread starter Thread starter babysnatcher
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pure Pure math
Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around the dilemma of choosing between math and physics, emphasizing the challenge of knowing whether one truly understands a subject. The original poster expresses a preference for math but feels uncertain about the concept of "knowing" in mathematics, contrasting it with the tangible nature of physics. There is a philosophical exploration of "knowability" and the nature of truth in mathematics, with references to Hardy's "A Mathematician's Apology" and the perceived divide between pure and applied mathematics. Participants discuss the importance of applicability in math and how seemingly "useless" areas can have practical implications. The conversation also touches on the educational paths in engineering and teaching, suggesting that a focus on mastering one subject at a time may alleviate the stress of trying to know everything. Ultimately, the consensus leans toward pursuing what one enjoys and finding value in both pure and applied mathematics.
  • #31
OP, I missed a lot of the random responses in here. I think you'd be very well served spending time on youtube and other sites that make online lecture videos available. You should also check out textbooks...seek out the course titles (as you've started to) and find out what texts they're using , then rent/purchase/download them (open source of course). Many professors put their lecture notes online, which may provide a more concise overview of the content of the course(s).

If you really want to know what else is worth knowing out there...go dig for it. From there, either you'll latch on to something worth exploring/studying further, or you'll be satisfied that you're on the right path.
 

Similar threads

PhD in theoretical physics and a PhD in Pure Maths at an old age
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Programs Masters programs in Math with non-strict math credit requirements
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Courses Is Pure Mathematics required to be a top-tier Physics student?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Admissions Applying to a PhD in Pure Math with an undergraduate degree in physics
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
6K
What and how to study for a pure maths education at university?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Courses Pure physics vs. adding a math major?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Going from pure math to applied math
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Advice for majoring in theoretical physics
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
How Can a Math-Loving Physics Student Excel in Mathematical Physics?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
1K
Programs Area to choose for my Master's thesis: theoretical physics/mathematical physics?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K