Blog 13: I found math at the bottom of the tub...

April 28-May 4

Mathematics is an easy step to make from reason and logic, at least, at first glance. We don't often think of it this way, but mathematics is often thought of as the most abstract of the Areas of Knowing...simply because we primarily discuss, learn, and discover mathematics in metaphors called "equations."

One of the things we will be talking about over the next couple of weeks is the question: Is mathematics a a reflection of reality or do we apply mathematics to our reality? Galileo argued that nature was the first mathematician, as mathematics can be found nearly everywhere in nature.

The video above (only 9 minutes long!!) is an example of mathematics being found not only in nature, but in human beings in the form of the golden ratio. Is there really a mathematical equations to how attractive people are?! Does that link back to survival and Darwin's ideas of why we love who we love? Can these things possibly be connected?

For the blog this week:

1. Watch the video and comment on your thoughts regarding it.

2. Write about some unexpected places you've found mathematics recently, or with your ToK lens firmly in place. You can create a list or write about one place you found math in a little more depth.

3. Also, please answer one of the questions below--
     a. Do you think mathematics is created or discovered? Explain.
     b. Do you think there is such a thing as an inborn ability to think mathematically? Or is it a learned skill?
     c. I think therefore I am, says Descartes. Is this a math equation? Perhaps a proof or theorem? Please explain your thinking.