A forever composed of nows : the misimagination of mathematics

Abstract

Mathematics and philosophy have always been closely tied, and perhaps this relationship first began when humans tried to write down the mathematical discoveries they were making. In this translation of thoughts into words, certain aspects were not properly encoded or even misinterpreted. But even though this, mathematics still evoked certain emotions from people across all fields. A pure mathematician can look at a theorem and see its ebb and flow; perhaps the curve of an integral sign or the wayan n x n matrix seems to contain everything but nothing is a source of beauty. A middle school student can see the simplicity of formulas, but also the infinite amount of possibilities it can hold. Mathematics is all about how we choose to read and interpret what we encounter. If given the opportunity, can we apply this interpreted beauty to our own lives? The answer to this question rests on the idea that we can read and comprehend the mathematical jargon in a way that is meaningful and purposeful.