Mathematics: Meaningful or Mechanical?

Mathematics: Meaningful or Mechanical?

“Math does make me think of a stainless steel wall – hard, cold, smooth, offering no handhold; all it does is glint back at me. Edge up to it, put your nose against it; it doesn’t give anything back; you can’t put a dent in it; it doesn’t take your shape; it doesn’t have any smell; all it does is make your nose cold. I like the shine of it – it does look smart, intelligent in an icy way. But I resent its cold impenetrability, its supercilious glare” (Buerk, 1982, p. 19).

This quote aptly defines the study of math for most individuals. From my peers in school to an AP-AOL news poll of 1,000 adults conducted on August 9-11, 2005 where “almost four in 10 adults surveyed said they hated math in school” (Lester) and “Twice as many people said they hated math as said that about any other subject” (Lester) it is easy to see that the study of math is not favoured by most people. However, it has to be noted that the math that most individuals are familiar with is “the study of math”. The focus of this essay is not on “the study of math” this essays focus will be in the beauty found in mathematics as a discipline outside of the boundaries of a set curriculum. This aim of showing the beauty of math as a discipline will be achieved by first defining mathematics. Second, by differentiating the discipline of math from the study of math to further define mathematics. Last, by explaining the use of math in all subjects. This list is by no means exhaustive and will not cover all the various aspects of math and its beauty. This list will, however, prove that there is beauty in math by defining it and providing examples of the beauty in math from different subjects.

Mathematics is defined by the Oxford Dictionaries as “the abstract science of number, quantity, and space” (Mathematics) and further defines the term “abstract” as “existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.” (Abstract) The dictionary then goes on to give the examples of love and beauty as “abstract concepts”. If abstract concepts such as love and beauty are seen or categorised in the same group as mathematics, does that not make mathematics beautiful as well? While some may argue that categorising math alongside concepts such as love and beauty does not make it inherently beautiful, can it not be argued that math’s own abstractness justifies its beauty? I believe that math is beautiful because it is abstract. Being abstract defines math as being mysterious and flexible. It is not concrete and thus is mouldable. There is beauty in the mystery of the unknown and finding ways to explain it. Math uses theories and ideas that while “not having a concrete or physical existence” (Abstract) allow us to explain concepts that we previously were unable to. For example, the famous equation E=mc 2 allow us to explain that energy and mass are the same things. A difficult concept to grasp until proven by Albert Einstein through his equation (Perkowitz). However, math can only be seen in such a positive light when studied out of a thirst for knowledge and understanding of the world around us all.

The study of math within the walls of a school is restricted and bound by the shackles of a set curriculum. To truly understand math and the beauty behind it, you must study it with freedom. The tedious use of formulae to answer meaningless questions will not develop a love for math, it will only develop an understanding of when to apply a formula to answer a question. The true beauty in math is only displayed when tackling meaningful, real life problems with an understanding behind the formulae and how they work. It is only when you understand the inner workings of a machine that you can truly understand how to best use it. It is this understanding that makes math beautiful. When you first grasp something and truly understand it you are met with a moment of satisfaction, you stumble upon an aesthetic experience. A moment of insight that allows you greater comprehension of the world