Philosophy of Mathematics
_ Mathematics
is often something with which many people have struggled. Many cannot see the
importance and value in mathematics because they fail to see past their
frustration. Perhaps if we can show others the simplicities in early math, we
can encourage them to overcome this fear and disgust and open their eyes to,
hopefully, at least tolerate math and see its’ beauty.
Understanding mathematics is much like understanding how a house is put together. If you don’t instill solid footings in the beginning, the structure is weak and unstable. If learning of mathematics is rushed or the effort is not put in, one will not be able to advance, as everything builds on the previous topic. It is the responsibility of those who understand mathematics to assist and encourage those that need the extra push and motivation to learn and comprehend such a valuable life skill as using math effectively.
Patience is of utmost importance in mathematics. It is easy to get aggravated and feel that math is mundane. Even the passionate individual struggling with a proof or problem gets frustrated and has a moment where they want to walk away from it all. The key is being patient and doing just that, taking a reprieve from the work and coming back to it with a clear mind. Not all problems have a visible solution immediately upon looking at them. Taking it slow and not rushing is what will make someone successful in mathematics, not just in a career of math but in everyday use as well.
People often neglect to see the relevance of math in everyday life. Many times people have said, “When am I ever going to use this in life?!” without seeing the connections in life. Math encompasses everyday life and many do not even realize. It can be as obvious as balancing a checkbook or as subtle as the acceleration of a car. Either way, math is a vital part of lives.
Very few things in life offer the stability and concreteness that is often found in mathematics. Mathematics is something in this ever-changing world that remains constant. Mathematics provides answers for so much of life. One thing is certain, no matter what you find in this world, you can always boil it down to some sort of mathematics.
Understanding mathematics is much like understanding how a house is put together. If you don’t instill solid footings in the beginning, the structure is weak and unstable. If learning of mathematics is rushed or the effort is not put in, one will not be able to advance, as everything builds on the previous topic. It is the responsibility of those who understand mathematics to assist and encourage those that need the extra push and motivation to learn and comprehend such a valuable life skill as using math effectively.
Patience is of utmost importance in mathematics. It is easy to get aggravated and feel that math is mundane. Even the passionate individual struggling with a proof or problem gets frustrated and has a moment where they want to walk away from it all. The key is being patient and doing just that, taking a reprieve from the work and coming back to it with a clear mind. Not all problems have a visible solution immediately upon looking at them. Taking it slow and not rushing is what will make someone successful in mathematics, not just in a career of math but in everyday use as well.
People often neglect to see the relevance of math in everyday life. Many times people have said, “When am I ever going to use this in life?!” without seeing the connections in life. Math encompasses everyday life and many do not even realize. It can be as obvious as balancing a checkbook or as subtle as the acceleration of a car. Either way, math is a vital part of lives.
Very few things in life offer the stability and concreteness that is often found in mathematics. Mathematics is something in this ever-changing world that remains constant. Mathematics provides answers for so much of life. One thing is certain, no matter what you find in this world, you can always boil it down to some sort of mathematics.