Able Quote by Keith Devlin
“What is mathematics? Ask this question of person chosen at random, and you are likely to receive the answer "Mathematics is the study of number." With a bit of prodding as to what kind of study they mean, you may be able to induce them to come up with the description "the science of numbers." But that is about as far as you will get. And with that you will have obtained a description of mathematics that ceased to be accurate some two and a half thousand years ago!”
About This Quote
Source Talk: "What is Mathematics?" at Stanford, 2015
Mathematics has been historically defined as the study of numbers, but that definition is outdated; the field now encompasses abstract structures and patterns beyond mere numbers.
In simple terms: Old definitions of math focus on numbers, but modern math is broader.
Key Takeaway
Update your understanding of math’s scope.
Themes
definition
history
abstraction
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- research
- interdisciplinary work
Key Concepts
mathematics
philosophy of science
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of math are missed by simple definitions?
- How does this affect teaching?
A Different Perspective
Simplifying may ignore nuanced subfields.
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![“In fact, when you try to use [Hans Rosling] data to predict the future, all sorts of problems arise. But what it does do is say, hey, just catch your breath a minute and see what's really been going on. We do have reason to feel good about the fact we've made progress.” quote by Keith Devlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1a8/keith-devlin-19829_arise_in-fact-when-you-try-to-use-hans-rosling_1084549.jpg)
