Honors Interdisciplinary Seminar
(175)
Response Paper #2, Due 11/30
Section 005
Your second Response Paper should discuss some aspect of mathematical truth
and how it applies to the texts and ideas we have studied so far in the
course. Below I give some suggestions for Response Paper topics.
However, you are not limited to these topics; you are encouraged to choose
another topic that suits you, provided that your topic meets the above
criteria. In this case, please email me (szydliks@uwosh.edu)
for approval of your topic. You may also feel free to choose one of the
topics from the list provided for the first response
paper, if you have not already used that topic.
Here are some possible topics for Response Paper #2:
- The subtitle for Proofs and Refutations is "The Logic of
Mathematical Discovery." Compare the nature of mathematics as it
is discovered versus how it is most often presented.
- Proofs and Refutations is filled with lively conversations and some
exceptionally interesting quotes. Choose one such quote and analyze it
in depth. Make sure that your analysis is broader than just Lakatos,
however. In other words, make sure that you connect the quote to other
areas of mathematics or other disciplines. Some of the
quotes/conversations that we discussed during our "speeddating" round
from our class discussion are in the file speeddate.pdf.
- What does it take to really "know" something in mathematics? Is
there more certainty in mathematics than in other disciplines? If so,
why? If not, why not?
- Going all the way back to the beginning of the semester, you have
encountered a number of different characters in your readings, both real and,
in the case of Flatland, fictional. Choose two characters from
different texts and compare their views on truth.
- In "Desperately Seeking Mathematical Truth," Nathanson says, "... Even in
mathematics, truth can be political." Note that his use of the word
"political" is in a very broad sense. But what does he mean? Do you agree
with his assertion? Make careful and specific reference to other course readings
(not just Nathanson) to support your answer.
- Our current readings on Cantor and the transfinite realm make frequent reference
to religion. Compare religious truth and mathematical truth. How are they
similar and how are they different?
Remember to read the Response Paper parameters
and to follow them carefully. Your essays are due at the start of our next
class.