| Mathematics is everywhere and in everything. It is a universal language and hence the primary means through
which the secrets of the Universe are revealed. It is also the means through which almost all of us order our lives. We use mathematics to tell time,
build homes, build vehicles, acquire and manage wealth, create medical procedures, machines and drugs that improve the quality of lives; create art, music and many more good things. So what is mathematics? Mathematics is the patterned thoughts humans use to define and solve problems. In fact, it is the only tool humans use to define and solve problems. This definition implies that there are no other tools for problem definition and for arriving at solutions for problems. This assertion may at first seem absurd. Be patient, because the absurdity will be removed after I explain the context of the definition. Problems are constantly existential realities. However, the attention humans give to particular problems depends on their respective priorities and circumstances. Natural problems and man-made problems are the two main types of problems humans confront regularly, and mathematics is the only tool they use to define and solve these problems. In other to grasp why all problems require mathematics for their definition and eventual solution, one must understand the nature of mathematics. In other words, if |
| mathematics is a tool, what is its form? You see, there are two basic concepts associated with tools: their functions and their forms or characteristics. For example, ancient humans had specific functions and forms in mind when they made tools out of stones. Modern tool-making has not veered from this form and functionality relationship. Usually, the intent of a tool inventor is to create the best form for his tool so that it can efficiently perform the function for which it was invented. Some tools take many years and many inventors to perfect. Mathematics is such a tool. It is yet to be perfected. Nonetheless, mathematics as a tool, has a very well defined form consituted by patterned thoughts. patterned thoughts are thoughts with specific arrangements and about specific objectives. All thoughts are not patterned. However, the thoughts used to define and solve problems are patterned. Oftentimes, patterned thoughts used to define problems have a query arrangement while patterned thoughts used to solve problems have a stepwise arrangement. For example, the thought "how do I account for the number of sheep in my farm?" is a patterned thought in a query arrangement, while the thought "I will count my sheep then record the result in a folder" is a patterned thought in a stepwise arrangement. All of human discoveries and inventions are products of patterned thoughts . For example, language is based on symbols called alphabets which are derived from patterned thoughts.The proof that the earth is spherical; the double-helix structure of DNA; the periodic table; the establishment of |
| constitutional democracy; the computer and the software that drives it; the automobile and the airplane; the submarine and the cruise missiles;
the soup kitchens and the basic daily routine of getting up and preparing for the day's work, are some of the notable discoveries and inventions that resulted from patterned thoughts.
It is therefore not far-fetched to state that all problems, whether mundane or complex, require the use of mathematics for their definition and solution. In essence, every person who has
defined and solved a problem, irrespective of the type of problem, has some mathematical skills. Mathematics is everywhere, in everything and in everyone. Many of the patterned thoughts that defined and solved myriad problems over the centuries have been compiled into axioms, theorems, proofs and formulas that now form the body of knowledge known as mathematics. The essence of mathematics is the patterned thoughts that produced this body of knowledge. There exists an infinite reservior of thoughts from which patterned thoughts can be fetched, developed and unleashed towards the perfect union of thought and problems. Peter O. Sagay |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Let us use our environment respectfully so that future generations would not label us"prodigal ancestors" |
|
|