Philosophy in Mathematics Essay - 3045 Words

Philosophy in Mathematics Mathematics has contributed to the alteration of technology over many years. The most noticeable mathematical technology is the evolution of the abacus to the many variations of the calculator. Some people argue that the changes in technology have been for the better while others argue they have been for the worse. While this paper does not address specifically technology, this paper rather addresses influential persons in philosophy to the field of mathematics. In order to understand the impact of mathematics, this paper will delve into the three philosophers of the past who have contributed to this academic. In this paper, I will cover the views of three philosophers of mathematics encompassing their†¦show more content†¦At this time it was customary for men of his stature to choose from church or army, which he would serve. Choosing the latter position, Descartes joined the army in 1617. In an event of chance, Descartes stumbled upon Isaac Beeckman, head of the Dutch College at Dort, who would translate a sign off the streets. This sign was in actuality a challenge to anyone to solve a geometrical problem (Wilkins, D.). Within a few hours, with help from Descartes’ respect and appreciation of mathematics, he found a solution and a friendship was formed between Beeckman and Descartes. This unexpected turn of events fueled Descartes’ contempt of his life in the army; but due to family influence and tradition, he remained a soldier until 1621 (Wilkins, D.). Descartes was 25 years old. The next couple of years found him relocated all around Europe until he settles in Paris in 1626. In the five years from when he left the army until his alighting in Paris, Descartes had devoted his life to the study of pure mathematics. There, in Paris, Descartes would live for two years until Cardinal de Berulle, founder of the Oratorians, urged on Descartes the duty of â€Å"devoting his life to the examination of truth.† (Wilkins, D.). Now 1628, Descartes moved again, this time to Holland, to secure himself from interruption. He would spend the next twenty years in Holland, focusing on philosophy and mathematics. His time in HollandShow MoreRelatedPhilosophy And Philosophy Of Mathematics1050 Words   |  5 PagesPhilosophy of Mathematics A philosophy of mathematics should be included in an excellent philosophy of education. A philosophy of mathematics should include your thoughts and ideas about what mathematics education is, what impact it has on society, the qualities that make a good teacher, a teacher’s role, research on the standards and instructional strategies, and ways to ensure student are able to learn mathematic concepts in your classroom. Each of these ideas should forever be evolving becauseRead MoreMy Philosophy Of Teaching Mathematics1545 Words   |  7 PagesMy philosophy of teaching mathematics is based upon the belief that the curriculum should be centered on the students. My job as an educator is to provide the students with a variety of knowledge, and to help them achieve their goals; to make sure they reach their full potential. When working with children, it should never be about the teacher. It is all about the individual children and their needs will always be a first priority. As an educator, I have mixed feelings about Common Core MathematicsRead MoreThe Physics Of Mathematics And Mathematics Essay1236 Words   |  5 Pagesown consciousness, simply because of the fallacies and imperfections of the human condition. Thus, it is reasonable that any human thought can be questionable. However, Mathematics is not to be doubted. Although, limitations, paradoxes and problems exist in mathematics and is a product of human intelligence, Nevertheless, Mathematics is a continuum of understanding of the universe and possible universes. This is because the symbols, signs and patterns of math exist in the universe, and Therefore, inRead MoreQuantum And Physics : Infinite Divisibility1522 Words   |  7 Pages Infinite divisibility has been a historically relevant theme in mathematics and philosophy. Before we had the tools to physically show the mathematical nature of the infinite, philosophers speculated on what happens when a space was divided into infinite parts. Parmenides and Zeno created theories, and paradoxes to prove that infinite divisibility was so significant that the universe is in a constant, unchanging state, and using that to show that motion cannot exist. Aristotle and other philosophersRead MoreDescartes First Meditation On The Existence Of God1320 Words   |  6 PagesSara Simpson Final Paper Due: 12/06/2015 Professor Minglai Dong Descartes Third Meditation: Recommended Topic 2 Descartes’ third meditation on First Philosophy is all about the existence of God. There are many things that Descartes talks about in this meditation. His intentions are to create a set of proofs or arguments that will irrefutably prove God’s existence. He already believes that God exists but he is mainly trying to dispute the reasons why God might not exist or how God may be a deceiverRead MoreEssay about A Very Brief History on the Existence of God 1202 Words   |  5 Pagessection (4) and Immanuel Kant in (5), who contend that God’s existence cannot be rationally proven. (1) Being a devout Catholic, Descartes undeniably believed in God. He makes this clear in the letter of dedication preceding Meditations on First Philosophy. He writes that we must â€Å"believe in God’s existence because it is taught in the Holy Scriptures, and, conversely, that we must believe in the Holy Scriptures because they have come from God† (Descartes, 1). Nonetheless, in the actual MeditationsRead More My Philosophy of a Constructivist Mathematics Education Essay1285 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"Understanding is a measure of the quality and quantity of connections that a new idea has with existing ideas. The greater the number of connections to a network of ideas, the better the understanding (Van de Walle, 2007, p.27).† My philosophy of a constructivist mathematics education At what point does a student, in all intents and purposes, experience something mathematical? Does it symbolise a student that can remember a formula, write down symbols, see a pattern or solve a problem? I believe inRead MoreWhat Links Disciplines Of Literature, Philosophy And Mathematics1635 Words   |  7 PagesWhat links the disciplines of literature, philosophy and mathematics? The answer is, quite simply, fiction. Fiction has probably existed since the human brain was capable of imagination, either for distraction or for the more functional purpose of envisioning hunt scenarios when our nomadic ancestors would need to survive. Fiction can be defined as a literary tool that fools readers or theatre goers into thinking that the author possesses certain knowledge about the world (Plato et al., 1963) butRead MoreBakit hangad ng mga bansang Asyano na magkaroon ng pambansang Wika?5719 Words   |  23 PagesRenà © Descartes (1596—1650) Renà © Descartes is often credited with being the â€Å"Father of Modern Philosophy.† This title is justified due both to his break with the traditional Scholastic-Aristotelian philosophy prevalent at his time and to his development and promotion of the new, mechanistic sciences. His fundamental break with Scholastic philosophy was twofold. First, Descartes thought that the Scholastics’ method was prone to doubt given their reliance on sensation as the source for all knowledgeRead MoreMy Philosophy of a Constructivist Mathematics Education545 Words   |  3 Pagesconstructivist model that allow students to scaffold their learning through cognitive processes that are facilitated by teaching in a resource rich and collaborative environment (Thompson, 1994, p.69). The student Constructivist learning in mathematics should endeavour to encourage students to â€Å"construct their own mathematical knowledge through social interaction and meaningful activities (Andrew, 2007, p.157).† I want students to develop their own conceptual frameworks, experiences, surroundings