Quote:Explore some of the most famous arguments in the ancient debate: is math a human construct or part of the fabric of the universe? -- Would mathematics exist if people didn't? Did we create mathematical concepts to help us understand the world around us, or is math the native language of the universe itself?
Jeff Dekofsky traces some famous arguments in this ancient and hotly debated question. Lesson by Jeff Dekofsky, animation by The Tremendousness Collective.
'Historically, we may regard materialism as a system of dogma set up to combat orthodox dogma...Accordingly we find that, as ancient orthodoxies disintegrate, materialism more and more gives way to scepticism.'
- Bertrand Russell
Quote:Did Plato have secret, unwritten doctrines (ἄγραφα δόγματα) deeply influenced by the mathematical esotericism of Pythagoras? From his works, comments by Aristotle, the philosophical project of the Old Academy and later Neo-Pythagorean teachings of Nicomachus of Gerasa and Iamblichus, there is substantial, though controversial evidence, that Plato's deepest teachings are not only to be found in the Dialogues as we know them. What might have these "unwritten doctrines" taught? It may be that a small 4th century ce digest of Arithmology, the intersection of ancient Metaphysics and Mathematics, attributed to Iamblichus might give us insight into these esoteric Platonic teachings and their survival into contemporary philosophy and physics. Join me as we explore this fascinating topic, at the heart of the origins of western philosophy!
'Historically, we may regard materialism as a system of dogma set up to combat orthodox dogma...Accordingly we find that, as ancient orthodoxies disintegrate, materialism more and more gives way to scepticism.'
- Bertrand Russell
Beyond causality
Gordon Gillespie
Quote:...Mathematics gives us shining proof that understanding some aspect of the world does not always come down to uncovering some intricate causal web, not even in principle. Determination is not explanation. And mathematics, rightly understood, demonstrates this in a manner that lets us clearly see the mutual dependency of mind and nature...
'Historically, we may regard materialism as a system of dogma set up to combat orthodox dogma...Accordingly we find that, as ancient orthodoxies disintegrate, materialism more and more gives way to scepticism.'
- Bertrand Russell
