Re: Is this math test too easy?

From: Mxsmanic (mxsmanic_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 11/23/04 

Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 20:29:38 +0100

Herman Rubin writes:

> I do not see how one can do critical thinking without being
> fairly adept and deductive logic, which is part of mathematics,
> and not taught at all well.

Believe it or not, the ability to reason--of which logic is one
species--is built into the human brain. It is not an acquired skill,
and so no training is necessary to impart it. Most people are able to
reason and use deductive logic and critical thinking from birth. The
only variation among individuals is the degree to which this ability is
present, and the ability is nearly synonymous with general intelligence.

> In most cases, inductive logic
> will be needed, at or above the level of introductory
> theoretical statistics.

See above.

> Unfortunately, it is not. But it is a lot better than going
> off on philosophical grounds with no understanding of the
> limitations imposed by the structure of the universe.

Most types of critical thinking and logic do not run up against
limitations imposed by the structure of the universe.

> Mathematics, sometimes even quite simple mathematics, often
> shows that what LOOKS like it should be the obvious outcome
> of an action is actually the opposite.

That has not been my experience. More often, mathematics simply seems
to restate the obvious. 

-- 
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.

Relevant Pages

  • OT, and afraid to ask for directions Was: Re: Programming languages for the very young
    ... We aren't born with an ability to do higher mathematics, ... Rote recall bridges several steps with a single recall ... > Visualising advanced concepts in terms of the basics is the right way to ...
    (comp.lang.lisp)
  • Re: geometry of negation
    ... Hello Math Mitch! ... How and why did human beings evolve the ability to do mathematics? ... We all possess the ability to cope with mathematics--if only we recognize ... The evolution of language is the surest indication of a new kind of ...
    (sci.math)
  • Re: geometry of negation
    ... Hello Math Mitch! ... How and why did human beings evolve the ability to do mathematics? ... We all possess the ability to cope with mathematics--if only we recognize ... The evolution of language is the surest indication of a new kind of ...
    (sci.logic)
  • Re: Kittenish Kzinti females [Kirainet.com - A geek in Japan ? Amae -
    ... was there something wrong with the math? ... including the ability to mentally rotate and invert objects in 3-space. ... is also valuable in mathematics. ...
    (rec.arts.sf.written)
  • Re: Sex differences in mathematics ability - perhaps of interest
    ... The evolutionary just-so story found in the original article is as ... legacy of the hunter is visuospatial proficiency including the ability ... Polygynous males navigate mazes faster than females of the same ... mathematics) may be higher in females. ...
    (uk.philosophy.humanism)