MA461 Fall 2000 Discussion Topic #4

Topic: The Meaning of Numbers

Leader: Janelle Young

Readings:

1. "The Meaning of Numbers" The World of Mathematics. Vol. 4 (1956). pp 2315-2317.

2. "Encountering Numbers" Flegg, Graham. Numbers: Their History and Meaning. (1983). pp1-5.

3. "Fingerprints" Dantzig, Tobias. Number: The Language of Science. 4th ed. (1954). pp2, 6-8.

Introduction:

How often have we stopped to think about where our meanings of numbers come from? Not too often. Where did one come to represent a single item as opposed to representing two items? The symbols and objects that have become so important to mathematics that we need to question the meaning of our answers. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to re-evaluate how much rely on them.

Possible Discussion Directions and Threads:

1. Take a look at the picture of the hand symbols. That was thrown in just for fun, comment on where you think out numbers are derived from.

2. How important do you believe the number has become to us? Is it ''the primary element on which all mathematics rests like Spengler states?

3. Do you believe that our numbering system is a good representation or should it be changed? If it should be changed, how should it be changed?

4. Do we place too much emphasis on numbers or even symbols?

Schedule:

Introduction on web and distributed by Tuesday, October 17, 2:50PM

Individual initial posts by Sunday, October 22, midnight.

Follow up posts/discussion through Wednesday, November 1, midnight.

Wrap-up posted here and to mailing list, Friday, November 3.