The Math of Counting
Ever since the Greeks, mathematicians interested in the nature of the world have invented new ways to speak of arithmetical ideas.
November 18, 2024
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Ever since the Greeks, mathematicians interested in the nature of the world have invented new ways to speak of arithmetical ideas.
Thanks to Boethius and those who built upon what he began, we have access to a rich collection of classical mathematical works in arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy.
Number is inherent in the way Christ holds the universe together, so to know what numbers are (not just how to use them or why to use them) is imperative for a Christian mathematics education.
Mathematicians of the past see numbers in unique ways, and this is a significant benefit of reading math primary texts and bringing their ideas into classrooms and curricula.
We teach math because it truly describes many of the ways our loving God holds the universe together.
The reason required to do math and geometry well is the same reason our minds rightly use when, equipped with the Word of God, we need to think deeply about philosophical and theological issues in our lives.
Elements seems to be solely concerned with teaching the “what” and not the “how.” It shows the logic behind things like triangles and circles, lets you get to know them well, and helps you understand the logic in them.
Simply stated, Gödel was able to mathematically prove that for any normal system in mathematics, there will always be true statements which you have to assume, but which you can never prove.
How can having a mathematically adept mind actually help us all serve others where God has put us?
When studied by Christians who live in the Word and Sacraments, math gives us a keen sense that the world is more beautiful and ordered than we could ever hope to grasp in this life.