Wednesday, December 11, 2013

What is Mathematics,really?


Mathematics?

This book explains the real content of mathematics. The author named Reuben Hersh explored the nature of mathematics from another book or reference and discussed also his points of views, where does it come from and what is the word “mathematics” mean. As you read the first part, you will encounter a conversation about the philosophy of mathematics. They are saying that there are philosophical ideas behind the concepts of mathematics and its nature. Exploring mathematics requires a deep understanding to be able to accept or reject the philosophical ideas behind it. Mathematics was used to appreciate and understand the problems of the world.
 
            As I was reading the first page of the book, I was amazed by the twelve yr. old girl, who talked about philosophical ideas behind math with her friend. To be honest, I really didn’t understand what they were talking about. It seems like they are already adults talking about mathematics way beyond their understanding based on their age. Then as I went through the text, I realized that finding the real meaning of mathematics is not as easy as one, two, three, you would need to prepare yourselves in order to understand and process each theory made by the mathematicians to help the world discover new things that can be a product of mathematics.

            The different point of views of the great mathematicians contributed a lot to the modern world. However, there were people who would disagree to their hypothesis or conclusions because some people were able to disprove them, since they could actually come up with a new theory to be accepted or rejected. For me, mathematics is a very dynamic matter that not only mathematicians can deal with but also individuals associated with different field. It consists of different characteristics, properties and exceptions to be considered in applying mathematics.


            Although this book was very hard to comprehend, it may help the other people who are into this field. It can serve as a reference for the researchers to find out what does mathematics really mean and its philosophical ideas behind those theories. This would help the other mathematicians to come up with a better discovery that would unite us and use this as a weapon to open more opportunities to the world of mathematics and to the universe.

18 comments:

  1. Indeed, the book can serve as a reference for people who wants to know mathematics deeper. Especially the philosophical way of knowing mathematics. Although the book is a little bit confusing, people with great desire to learn what mathematics really is might enjoy this book :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, i agree that this book is really hard to comprehend. However, when you get to understand its content you will really learn new things and your appreciation for math will be greater. Also, you will understand the nature of math. :D

    ReplyDelete
  3. To learn Mathematics, we need to appreciate Mathematics

    ReplyDelete
  4. BOOKS! for the win hahhaha

    So guys, don't dwell to much on online reference use books as reference to
    THUMBS UP!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Philosophy in Math? Hmm, I've never realized that before. Woah.

    ReplyDelete
  6. In relation today we should try Collingwoods logic in teaching math!! :))

    ReplyDelete
  7. Books are really hard to comprehend but when you take time to understand it little by little you will know the importance of that book like the principles, theory, definition of the terms in Mathematics :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Books are one of the greatest teachers. It is one of the essential instruments in understanding a complex subject like math. maybe the reason why people find it difficult to comprehend is because they just tend to memorize the terms or definition of the principles when instead they should be focusing on understanding its content.

    ReplyDelete
  9. In order to understand a certain field of study (for example, Mathematics), we turn to this kind of reference, a book. Though sometimes, it could be hard to understand, sooner or later, it could be understood that all definitions and theory explained can be applied in real life.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I guess math is something related to the actual world.
    Maybe there's some way to know everything by math, but we are just very far away from that level.

    ReplyDelete
  11. How you did your book review was amazing. Short but concise. Anyone who will read it will be truly interested to read the book itself. Nice job Kim! Keep it up! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I agree that mathematics is ever dynamic. With the same passion and persistence in solving problems that the great mathematicians had, who knows, one of us might in any way contribute to the existing body of mathematical knowledge. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm learning to love Mathematics through reading this.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yes, indeed mathematics is very unique among all sciences. Its versatility alone, just makes it amazing. Even though for some, they might hate it because it's hard. But if you just study and understand math, you'll see how great and amazing it is.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow. And here is a new depth to mathematics. Not only is it just all about equations and problem solving, there is also a philosophy behind math. Makes one appreciate it even more

    ReplyDelete
  16. thanks for sharing this! this made me have an interest in math :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. job well done! :) indeed mathematics has become a part of our living world. this is an eye opener to everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  18. You did a wonderful job on this book review and I agree to what you said that "Mathematics was used to appreciate and understand the problems of the world." Without Mathematics, we won't be able to explain to ourselves the problems that we are encountering today and also, without Mathematics we won't be able to solve this problems.

    ReplyDelete