HSP 124-02
Albion College
Fall 02021
Discussion Questions for TNER Ch. 1
DL: Aishat

  1. According to all your knowledge, do you think Mathematics is ‘rigorous’?

  2. Do you think we all share a common western-style logic/logical thinking with each other? Can you think of an example of something we all believe to be right?

  3. What is ‘Logic’ in your opinion?

  4. On page 10, the author said “If A and B are true, Z must be true and cannot be defended, or reduced further.” Have you ever encountered a math problem where you get stuck and you decide the answer based on intuition? Could that be considered an axiom?

  5. If by chance, Intuitionists and Constructivists do succeed in the search of direct proof, what would be the hypothetical outcome?

        6. "The myths provided a comprehensive explanation of natural phenomena and a link between humanity and nature that made the universe less frightening," (1). Why are people so uncomfortable with the unknown?

        7. "Every rational discussion involves the making of inferences. What kind of inferences are allowed depends on who the participants are and what subject is being discussed. In this sense each type of discussion has its own special logic," (7). Is this statement true? Are some discussions limited by inferences that are allowed/not allowed?

        8. "In everyday usage not every individual is 'typical' and 'generalizations' are often wrong; however in mathematics 'typical means 'having properties shared by every individual without exception,' making mathematical 'generalizations' completely reliable," (17). Does the fact that the word "typical" has a different meaning in mathematics make it harder to understand? is there another, possibly better, word that could be used?