Would creating Mathematics with computers be considered pure?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the nature of mathematics, particularly the distinction between pure and applied mathematics, and the role of computational tools in this context. A high school student raises questions about whether using computers to visualize mathematical concepts can be considered pure mathematics, especially when dealing with disabilities in traditional mathematical understanding. The conversation touches on the definitions of pure mathematics as an abstraction and the perception of applied mathematics as less aesthetically pleasing. There is a debate about the classification of computational mathematics, which often blends both pure and applied aspects, and whether its use for visualization and creation can elevate it to a purer status. The student expresses confusion over Hardy's views in "A Mathematician's Apology," questioning the beauty of physical truths versus abstract concepts. Ultimately, the discussion seeks clarity on the purity of computational geometry as a future career path, suggesting that purity can be subjective and context-dependent, while acknowledging potential opposition within the mathematical community.
Samardar
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Here's something a Highschool student would ask:

If I have something considered a disability in mathematics i.e visual thinking LoL , using a computer to visualize mathematics would be considered a useful tool.

Pure mathematics is defined as generalizing abstraction , it is the how's and why's of mathematics.

If applied mathematics is supposed to be ugly and dull under a physical truth in a mathematical framework , would using a computer to study as well as create the beautiful and brilliant be considered pure?

Computational Mathematics , is often a hybrid of the two , so why is it filed under applied?
Is it because of the implementations and designing of algorithms to study mathematics , but I only want to use a computer to visualize things I can't and to represent my output - my creations? I guess I'll need to use them anyways.

Can we open our minds here? I just need reinforcement the main answer is blatantly yes.
--------------------
This started out because an opinion made by Hardy in a Mathematicians Apology is mostly being misunderstood by me , if physical truth is ugly and dull , why do other's consider it beautiful , he thinks one aspect of reality is more prettier than the other , he's just making biased comparisons. But it still haunts me to this day , is it really ugly and dull just applying? Am I ruminating too much?

I am also asking this question because I have a future career in computational geometry and I would want to know if this is considered pure , as the idea of purity being the purist of the water seems to intrigue me , but it's nothing important.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Pure in what sense? Pure mathematics? Yes. Pure mathematics is defined by what it studies.
 
Thanks :D
 
Thats a relief.

Well I guess , pure by field.
 
That's not to say you wouldn't encounter opposition. Just think back to the whole four-color theorem flame war...
 
TL;DR Summary: What topics to cover to safely say I know arithmetic ? I am learning arithmetic from Indian NCERT textbook. Currently I have finished addition ,substraction of 2 digit numbers and divisions, multiplication of 1 digit numbers. I am moving pretty slowly. Can someone tell me what topics to cover first to build a framework and then go on in detail. I want to learn fast. It has taken me a year now learning arithmetic. I want to speed up. Thanks for the help in advance. (I also...
guys i am currently studying in computer science engineering [1st yr]. i was intrested in physics when i was in high school. due to some circumstances i chose computer science engineering degree. so i want to incoporate computer science engineering with physics and i came across computational physics. i am intrested studying it but i dont know where to start. can you guys reccomend me some yt channels or some free courses or some other way to learn the computational physics.
I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...

Similar threads

Back
Top