Now, the mathematics module has begun and I am excited to say that I am not overwhelmed yet. The area of mathematics has a long history within my family. My dad's side were all mechanically inclined. My aunt was actually a math professor. That particular trait is not as, shall we say, cultivated in my particular case. In other words, its hard!
This module is broken into two concurrently running classes. One is a philosophy of mathematics. The other is a self-study of mathematical skill sets: essentially, "traditional" math - algebra, geometry, etc..
Philosophy of math! You may think, "what does that mean?" Fundamentally it is a look under the hood of mathematics. When was the last time you asked yourself the question, "WHY does 2+2=4?" Typically, we just assume that it does and that is enough. Some folks may dive a little deeper and say that 2+2=4 because in real life two of something placed beside another two of the same thing makes four of that thing. These are true statements but do not answer the question WHY, they simply repeat that they do.
If this is confusing don't worry, it was for me too. But bare with me a little longer and it will all be worth it.
So, if the proof that 2+2=4 in real life is not enough what is? This is where we move from math to philosophy. What is two-ness? What does it mean to "equal" something? Why does 2+2=4 and not 5 or 8? At face value you may say to me, "Joey, who the flip cares?" But follow me. Why not 2+2=5? Because it just doesn't? Or is there something deeper? We instinctively know that it doesn't, don't we? Many languages call it different things; cuatro, quatre, vier. But we all have a sense of four-ness. This then smacks of design. Why does 2+2=4 everywhere in the world? Where could this come from? This is where we dance around in philosophy until we cross from philosophy to theology. Just like complex systems within biological systems, this design comes from the same origin. Having effectively crossed from mathematics to philosophy to theology we reach a staggering point.
If math is grounded in the infinite personal God and all "good" math or "well-done" math comes from Him then, by doing math well we actually perform an act of worship. Additionally, by doing math perfectly, we actually follow God's thoughts after Him.
Do you now see why philosophy of math?
To conclude, this is what I get to do for the next 6 weeks. Pray for me? :-)
