Publication Date:
2012-08-04
Description:
In Indiscrete Thoughts [ 18 ], G.-C. Rota remarked, “The mystery, as well as the glory of mathematics, lies not so much in the fact that abstract theories do turn out to be useful in solving problems, but, wonder of wonders, in the fact that a theory meant for one type of problem is often the only way of solving problems of entirely different kinds, problems for which the theory was not intended. These coincidences occur so frequently, that they must belong to the essence of mathematics.” Indeed, it happens often that abstract mathematics leads to concrete applications, and real-life problems constitute a source of inspiration for sophisticated theories. The strong synergy between pure mathematics and its applications advocates for teaching methods that intertwine physical intuition with mathematical abstraction, and recognize the universality of mathematical laws throughout the sciences. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00283-012-9305-0 Authors Marian Gidea, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL 60625, USA Constantin P. Niculescu, Department of Mathematics, University of Craiova, Craiova, 200585 Romania Journal The Mathematical Intelligencer Online ISSN 1866-7414 Print ISSN 0343-6993
Print ISSN:
0343-6993
Electronic ISSN:
1866-7414
Topics:
Mathematics
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