Math is an art and is not a science
The debate is finished. The distribution of the voting points and the winner are presented below.
After 1 vote and with the same amount of points on both sides...
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I am taking the position that math is an art, and that math is not a science. We will use the following definitions:
Math - The discipline studying numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions and of space configurations and their structure, measurement, transformations, and generalizations.
Art - The conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects.
Science - The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation, experimentation, and the testing of theories against the evidence obtained.
- https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php/AMC_12_Problems_and_Solutions
- https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ750778.pdf
- https://www.math.brown.edu/reschwar/INF/handout3.pdf
- https://www.britannica.com/science/Euclidean-geometry
- https://www.quantamagazine.org/why-mathematicians-still-cant-solve-the-collatz-conjecture-20200922/
Oxford1.the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation, experimentation, and the testing of theories against the evidence obtained."the world of science and technology"Similar:branch of knowledgearea of studydisciplinefield2.ARCHAICknowledge of any kind."his rare science and his practical skill"
I am taking the position that math is an art, and that math is not a science. We will use the following definitions:Math - The discipline studying numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions and of space configurations and their structure, measurement, transformations, and generalizations.Art - The conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects.Science - The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation, experimentation, and the testing of theories against the evidence obtained.
Numbers themselves are abstractions, yes. But in most cases, barring complex theoretical maths, the abstractions are standing for physical quantities. Regardless of the point of abstract versus physical in nature, math is a study, a knowledge.
The umbrella term of science holds math within a "branch of knowledge", "area of study." Math is indisputably a knowledge of sorts, and thus is within the term science.
I will agree that math, especially at high levels is very artful, and deserves to be appreciated for the creativity necessary to perform innovations within the field.Yet I see no reason that science and art must be mutually exclusive.
Math, in my view is both science and art. To argue that math is not scientific in nature would be very dismissive of the study and understanding of mathematics. To argue that math is not artistic in nature would be dismissive of the creativity and beauty of the subject.Low level mathematics may be considered more scientific and rigid with no need for artistic thought, and some very high level maths could be considered much more artistic in nature, though they require the rigid science underneath to build upon creatively.
Sorry, a tie, can't spend time thinking on debate.
I've got to get to bed, then work, then the timer runs out, ah well.
Math get's acknowledged as an art, at least partially,
Con pushes heavily for math being at least partially 'physical 'per definition.
If I thought about the debate more, I think I might vote for Math_Enthusiast,
As Atoktheadvocate conceded a lot of points, though they also made arguments for math being a science,
It's not 'bad to disagree with the definition,
And definitions in descriptions not always great (Not that this description definition good or bad)
But 'does take part of one's argument to disagree with definition.
My initial view is math 'can be an art and a science,
The action and result of math can be artistically done,
Vary on individual and style/energy.
Yet there's still a. . . 'Solid element to math, 1+1=2, expected as certain results,
But perhaps there are liquid and solid states to 'many an X,
Like boxing.
Math_Enthusiast R1
Makes the argument for math being an art,
Memorization being different than utilization and new expanses.
I'm not very convinced by their argument of math not being a science though,
I mean 1 cat is one cat,
As a shade of green at X (However color works) is one shade of green,
Either one we place as an idea in our head,
Either one 'exists physically.
Atoktheadvocate R1
"Numbers themselves are abstractions, yes. But in most cases, barring complex theoretical maths, the abstractions are standing for physical quantities. Regardless of the point of abstract versus physical in nature, math is a study, a knowledge."
Is the part that matters most, as Atoktheadvocate accepts math as being capable of being art.
Hm, I think back to Math_Enthusiast R1,
. . . Math as abstract, . .
But then 'everything is abstract in all sciences and not applicable.
Math_Enthusiast R2
Makes point that Definitions were in Description of debate,
'Still, Atoktheadvocate can make argument that math 'is physical in a sense.
Eh, math is used experimentally,
People try this or that to get equations to work,
Try the math out in real world to see if writing matches, then why it matches or not.
(But this is 'my argument)
Atoktheadvocate R2
Missed, but apologized for later.
Math_Enthusiast R3
Extended.
Atoktheadvocate R3
Interesting differentiation on sciences, reminds of of a recent discussion in the forum,
Are people that stubborn? (Religious and atheists alike)
Atoktheadvocate makes argument, in a sense all things are science,
But I Lemming, still think we place science and art in categories, even if they leak and mesh a bit into each other.
If Math_Enthusiast is able to call math an art, it can be called a science easily enough,
But Atoktheadvocate might do best by sticking to debate definition, can still be done.
They do make argument that science is umbrella term for many subjects and forms of knowledge.
This isn't bad, though it's a bit vague,
That same vagueness was used to call math and art.
"You would be correct if your assertion was that mathematics does not fall within physical science,"
Seems to me a bad move, even if the description can be considered fallacious.
Math_Enthusiast R4
Insists on debate definition.
Atoktheadvocate R4
Point about theoretical science.
Says by debate definition math not 'purely physical.
Math_Enthusiast R5
N/A
Atoktheadvocate R5
N/A
I would like to happily offer to win this debate against you, if you would happily accept my offer, I have very solid evidence and arguments of which are very simplistic and basic to understand.
Only one of my classmates are applying for a B.A in maths. Most others who intend a mathematic route are applying for B.S degrees.
Lot of geometry/math in Islamic art I've heard.
I 'think I recall Clausewitz mentions something about science and art, in his On War book.
Ooh, after Googling that a bit in variation, and reading the description in this debate, I'm interested in how this debate might go.
I don't think I've 'thought much about the concept of art.