Much Ado About Nothing

What is it about mathematical theories that makes it convincing or unconvincing?

From early man in prehistoric years, we invented the wheel and learnt to write on the cave (our earliest white board), and learnt to count. Little did these prehistoric men realize that they were actually using complex mathematical formula to invent the wheel. Something, in their brain was pre-conditioned to solve equations and formulae. Therefore, from this evidence we can justify the belief that mathematics existed long before formal education. Early man used his experience and intuition to use the laws of physics combined with the intricacies of mathematical design to make the simple wheel which we still use in modern day transportation.

But it was not until the Greek mathematicians such as Euclid and Pythagoras with the advent of the simple abacus as a counting machine back in circa 600 BC that mathematical theory began to be taken seriously and was formally documented. The word mathematics in fact is derived from the ancient Greek for, ‘ subject of instruction’. In fact the study of mathematics for its own sake and the use of generalized mathematical theories and proofs, is the key differences between Greek mathematics and those of preceding civilizations. The concept of zero played a role in defining the growth of higher mathematics which is a major step in the history of mankind. Zero is a synonym for none. Mathematics surely starts with zero, but how can we believe the concept and perception nothing exist?

So on a knowledge point of view how do we really know that zero is the lowest number and that below this are negatives numbers, there are half numbers, decimals and there exists infinity? How do we really know that 2 plus 2 really equates to 4? Is there really enough proof and explanation to justify our belief or do we blindly accept all interpretations as the gospel truth on blind faith, without real understanding. Do we use reason or are we using our emotions that scholars must be correct. Is our perception of the truth behind the mathematics based on certainty and evidence or just trust? For the most people on this Earth we believe because we are told to believe from teachers and parents who we perceive as being more knowledgeable than us.

For the most part the majority of us hate mathematics. We shy away from this complex brain twister and consciously accept that mathematics and the visit to the dentist are our pet hates. There seems to be no logic or tangible explanation for this subject. But our inability to conquer or enjoy this subject is based (like the dentist visit) on one emotion, fear. We already have a preconceived notion that if we cannot see our subject of study, (like biology can be seen) or understand it as factual (such as history), then we need to fear this study.

What we need to do is to conquer our negative perceptions. We need to trust our intuition and make mathematics our friend. By doing so we open up our mind and our level of understanding increases. We also need to give reverence to a subject that has supported scientific studies and given us inventions that have enhanced our lives. So perhaps the derogatory zero should be renamed to hero…..