Comments on: Science; Don’t Hide The Good Stuff.

By: Pelvo White, Jr.

Pelvo White, Jr. — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 22:29:57 +0000

Arthur: The mathematical concepts that you have discussed,geometry, algebra calculus present mental exercises for the brain in accordance with a particular logos and these pragmatic exercises for the brain were invented and are utilized by different nations. You are correct in your analysis of mathematical contributions globally. Confusion also comes with not knowing how to follow the mathematical order set down symbolically in the problems and or formulas presented. I am of the opinion that children should be taught mathematics at an early age and each step of the advancement towards higher ordered mathematical thinking explained along the way. The truths of mathematics can be taught to all races of mankind given the thinker commits himself to the logical truths of math that can be taught as expressed logical symbolism. Dr. Albert Einstein formulated his theories of relativity and special relativity years ago much of which is now considered law but the full truths of his mathematics have yet to be fully realized, and it is still unknown if our mathematical concepts fully dovetail with reality.Survival dictates that we learn how to develop higher ordered thought processes and mastering mathematics is one way to do it.

By: Arthur

Arthur — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 17:44:16 +0000

One of the reasons that people have trouble understanding calculus is that the elements leading up to it are not presented in organic fashion.

The student is not told that humankind, as a whole, created calculus. Egypt gave us Geometry, the Arabs gave us algebra, the Europeans developed Analytic Geometry, a way of translating Geometrical concepts into Algebraic ones, and vice versa. This led directly to calculus which elucidated ideas implicit in Egyptian thought.

By: Pelvo White, Jr.

Pelvo White, Jr. — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 16:56:06 +0000

Arthur; You are correct on both points observed to include the origin ( Africa ) of such modes of thought. Socrates had to “drain the cup of hemlock ” meaning ” that he was given the death penalty by his own people for espousing and attempting to introduce such modes of thought ( Socratic Method ) in the western world which through one’s own careful analysis and evaluation of one’s own thoughts leads to a better understanding of self. Ours ( empirical science ) is a science of sense impressions. There is nothing in mind ( one’s attention/memory )which was not first in senses and as Emanuel Kant pointed out in his ” Critique of pure and practical reasoning ” we do not all have the same senses by which to observe reality therefore we need eye glasses, microscopes,hearing aids and telescopes. The ability to see clearly helps us to understand what we are observing. Science helps us to both think and see clearly. The whole is always greater than its parts. A religious person could postulate that this phenomenon is an example of god’s mathematics.

By: Arthur

Arthur — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 14:52:44 +0000

Thanks, Pelvo White. Let me pick up on two of your points. You note that Rene Descartes observed “that the only proof of being is thought,” “I think therefore I am.” This relates to the ancient African instruction, “Know thyself,” “All knowledge is self-knowledge.”

You also observe that, “the present day western world teaching pedagogy is by design deliberately taught by degrees.” So you are saying the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Also, it is hard to grasp the whole when focusing on each miniscule part, and it is difficult to understand the parts if we do not see the whole.

By: Pelvo White, Jr.

Pelvo White, Jr. — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 18:17:22 +0000

The fathers of contemporary scientific practice ( empirical science ), men like Rene’ Descartes who stated the Latin phrase ” cogito ergo sum ” which means ” I think therefore I am. ” Recovered the world as thought postulating that the only proof of being is thought.As an educator, it never ceased to amaze me how little many African Americans knew about science. We wear wrist watches, use remote controls and drive automobiles but many cannot explain the science involved in the invention and usages of these things let alone conceptualize scientifically the association of the micro and macro worlds. Contemporary science does not adequately put forth the oneness of all things scientifically. We have a problem associating sand with crystal glass and glass to gas and gas to liquids etc. We have a problem scientifically quantifying perceivable reality because of the way science and math are presented to us. The present day western world teaching pedagogy is by designed deliberately taught by degrees. and it is for this reason African we as African Americans must make a special effort to truly educate ourselves in mathematics and science, logic and philosophy.