Does Math Stand Alone?

[RingingSword]

The question aims toward an investigation, not necessarily lengthy, of the how and why of the classification of the discipline of math within the traditional curricula.

In my experience, we have two clear categories: a) sciences; b) humanities, and then there's math. Most of us, I think, closely associate math with the sciences, but is it just another scientific sub-discipline, after the fashion of, say, biology, chemistry and physics? Via theoretical math, researchers can scientifically observe the behavior of numbers, collect data as evidence and spin theories. In such instances, math is the subject of science, but when I do math operations, is that just the same as doing science?

During the early twentieth century, Whitehead and Russell were assuming via their tome on arithmetic that math is just logic, but then, I think, Godel proved that assumption isn't exactly correct.

The notion that math is a language is not controversial, and thus its classification as a language seems reasonable. Even so, no one expects to go to his/her local school and find Math classed together with the Greek and Latin departments.

This leads me to my speculation that math is a categorically distinct language. Under my theoretical scheme, there are two categories of language: a) affectual; b) spacetimatic. In the former category stand the holistic languages of everyday experience, rendered through verbal utterances denoting human, affectual experience. In the latter category stands math, rendered through the -- please forgive the following, outrageous usage -- pointilism of numbers. Whereas math, through its spacetimatic basic units or numbers, concerns itself with the precise what of human experience, affectual language concerns itself with the quality of human experience.

When I try to think about the linguistics of math, I come to a dead halt; here, then, lies work to be done.

I don't lose sight of the possibility that the question of the classification of math might have a simple, conventional answer. Please bring it forth if you have it.

On the other hand, it's fun to think that the precise classification of math ultimately ties into an implication of the Riemann Hypothesis (as I get it from an exegesis written for the layperson): the ordering of the primes expresses the basic structure of the universe of numbers. Since, as yet, we fail to see proof of the ordering of the primes, we are unable to precisely classify the discipline of study that treats the universe of numbers.

[tman_ndsu08]

Math proves things without evidence. A priori.

Science proves things with evidence. A posteriori.


Huge difference.

[Compugasm]

Music doesn't fall within humanities or science, yet it's a language with foundations in mathmatics. It seems music then, is the opposite of your curricula.

[RingingSword]

Compugasm,

I'm thinking that music is a language halfway between the affectual and spacetimatic categories.

[Dadoo]

Is not math more akin to a ladder than to the actual upward and downward motion sustainable upon it's matrix?
To divide the human experience into "2" distinct disciplines, one "divides".

Math is a means to an end. It is a spatial-linguistic subset utilized to illuminate time/space relativities within the contexts of both humanity and science.

[RingingSword]

Dadoo,

Math is a means to an end. It is a spatial-linguistic subset utilized to illuminate time/space relativities within the contexts of both humanity and science.

Interesting observation. In its role as described above, math forms the spine and the skeleton of a world. This makes math a metaphysical entity. By this I mean to say math is a foundational part of reality;

Is not math more akin to a ladder than to the actual upward and downward motion sustainable upon it's matrix?

Math sees without being seen?

To divide the human experience into "2" distinct disciplines, one "divides".

Division need not be a bad thing. Intelligible distinctions, such as hot and cold, have practical value. As to studies at school, human minds operate in different modes; as children, we must find the particular orientation of our minds. Is the mathematical mind oriented toward the first causes of reality?

[tman_ndsu08]

Quote by: RingingSword Division need not be a bad thing. Intelligible distinctions, such as hot and cold, have practical value.

Cold is the absence of hot.

[Dadoo]

Swords-
I did not imply that "division" is a "bad thing"!
I have to catch a rabbit, too, when I need to eat!

Division and distinction are similes , using a broad stroke.

Yet, we use mathematical terminology in our language to describe personal experiences and the environment alike.

We separate the study of math from other secular studies.
Yet, according to the praxis and goal-orientation of any secular study, mathematical languages and indeed, conceptualizations, are utilized regularly.
"I am divided on this subject."
"My problems multiplied."
"All men are created equal."
You are on another tangent, Dadoo.

Math can stand alone.
Every discipline objectifies a common subject.
ie:
How many ways can I thank you?
And in how many languages?

Each language is aparticular discipline or study.
Each modality of nuance, a specialists' specialty.
Yet, in the end, they all say,
"Thank You."

Domo origato, ad infinitum,
Dadoo

[SteveA]

Something more fundamental than mathematics is logic. Mathematics is built upon logic and they both exist as mental subjects. No perfect circles or triangles etc. exist in nature, yet if we want to do something in the real world, we have to understand what rules the world plays by. The more precisely we can match our mental desires to the world around us, the less we're at the mercy of nature and the more we came make things as we desire (for better or worse). Mathematics inrceases that precision. Physically we have limits. Mentally few limits exist. Mathematics is one of the tools we can use, like a lever or fire, to do things we normally would be incapable of doing. In theory, with enough skill, a basketball player put every single shot in the hoop. Few physical limits remain once we've conquered the mental ones.

I don't think mathematics stands alone, but is a part of a range of mental disciplines that can allow people to excel at whatever they pursue.