Summative on Unit “Mathematics”

Comparison between Mathematics and other Areas of Knowledge

Choose 4 of the following aspects and use each Area of Knowledge
at least once.
Word count: 1578

Aspects (One Similarities and differences

paragraph each)

Truth and Facts Mathematics and Human Sciences

Similarity
In both areas of knowledge, any kind of experimental
beginning that is also considered as a hypothesis or
mathematical problem preliminary can’t be considered as truth
or fact. It’s way more correct to say that the real solution
requires a set of assumptions and definitions to prove it. Proofs
for math and human sciences are deductive reasoning based
on those assumptions and have multiple methods for solutions,
still, it doesn’t qualify its credibility. For instance, in the sphere
of psychology which is human sciences, we can discuss this
argument with the example of a social experiment that requires
primary data and qualitative method of research and
beforehand we are making hypotheses that will prove our
assumption by making some research on received data, thus,
can be perceived as truth by confirming the hypothesis. In
mathematics, we consider the same methodology of the
research, by analyzing the problem and at the end assuming
that the perceived answer is true or false. A bright example of
those steps is the chi-squared test where we need to prove
mathematical notation by comparing it to its significance level
and at the end, it will justify the hypothesis that was made at
the beginning of the research.

Difference
If to consider the methodology of both areas of knowledge,
human sciences are very abstract and hypothetical, while
mathematics is based on solid methods of solving and
systematic while identifying the truth or fact. We can assume
that math is more factual rather than truthful, for the reason
that there are no other factors beyond the system itself. Human
sciences are dependent on social factors and may consider
basic human errors, therefore we can’t be sure that the results
of some experiment is fully trustworthy and can be considered
 as a fact. An instance of it can be overlooked in the economics,
each country is making solid predictions about its the level of
GDP, inflation rate, income rate, etc. to make it easier for
businesses and consumers to be more confident in their
finances, however, there are always risks and unpredicted
events that can universally change all statistics. In 2019, no
one could imagine that the global coronavirus pandemic will
drastically change the course of global economics. That's why
the economies of many countries failed. While in mathematics
outside social and environmental factors can’t affect the
solution of problems, it’s a solid mathematical operation that
gives a fixed and definite solution.

How is knowledge Mathematics and Arts

communicated
Similarity
Many of the core skills in art and math are closely related. Both
disciplines require spatial reasoning skills and the ability to
recognize patterns. Artists and mathematicians use geometry
in their work — including shapes, symmetry, proportion, and
measurement. They demonstrate the interdependence of
knowledge and skills by using each other's elements. The most
common method of using mathematical measurements in arts
is creating proportions in art genres like portraits, still life,
pictorial art, etc. There are certain rules of proportion that make
an art piece symmetrically correct and more enhanced. Artists
before drawing or copying the object create certain shapes that
resemble the object, shapes are always geometrical which is
part of mathematics. Proportion refers to the dimensions of
composition and relationships between height, width and
depth. In order to measure proper portrait proportions, it’
necessary to divide the piece into three main sections which
are eyebrow line, nose line and chin, it is ⅓ of the head and by
dividing this number by two - ⅓ / 2, we get ⅔ it will be a new
section where lips should be located. This method of division
can be used on different subject matters which helps to create
more realistic pieces.

Difference
Nonetheless, art can exist without the usage of mathematical
knowledge. Before analyzing the interdependence between
two areas of knowledge, it’s necessary to identify what art itself
is. The path where the art has no rules and limits is called
contemporary art and modernism, where the absence of a
sense of logic and denial of all mathematical measurements as
well as classical painting style is the key to attaining the goal of
 this direction. For instance, the work of Jean Michel- Basquiat
“Untitled” (1982) is a representation of the absence of any
mathematical properties and pure visualization of the human
imagination without any boundaries. While for mathematicians
it is crucial to use and apply theoretical knowledge to solve
complex problems. Without it, it’s impossible to interpret the
problem itself and give a systemized solution. In the contrast,
as the experience shows, visual arts are not restricted to
mathematical concepts and it is not necessary to follow them
to create masterpieces and the absence of mathematical
properties is not accepted as a mistake.

Solid justification Mathematics and Natural Sciences

(method)
205 Similarity
Both mathematics and science are taken as ways of
understanding that are embedded in rational logic - focusing on
universal knowledge statements by proving it through solid
systematic methods and theories that include formulas and
certain functions. In mathematics, theory consists of a
mathematical model that is based on a set of axioms perceived
as a body of knowledge. In natural sciences, for instance in
physics, a theory refers to a given set of notions and rules,
which is formulated in the language of mathematics to show
how certain physical systems work or behave. Which states
that one can not exist without each other. For solving some
kind of problem both areas of knowledge require rational logic
and solid justification methods using theories and axioms that
proves that the answer is true. Particularly, in mathematics, all
core themes are based on logical functioning and systematic
method that gives you one or more answers and accuracy of it
is justified by the rational method of solving. The same
methodology is applicable in natural sciences by using
theorems that include mathematical formulas. In physics, for
instance - Newton’s Law shows the co-dependence between
mathematical calculations and physics concepts which states
that they have a similar system of justification.

Difference
Mathematics and natural sciences are completely different
fields of study each profiting from each other, but with a
different purpose of the study. Mathematics is the study of
rational systems and models -- the process of assuming
certain axioms and judgements and an analysis of those
 logical implications. Core themes in mathematics require
structured and systemized steps flowing from one value to
another to attain the final solution. It’s a toolkit with models that
helps in natural sciences. The difference is that the goal of
Natural Sciences is to investigate and justify certain
phenomena. It’s a process of selecting models and making
hypotheses and statements that are taken to be true. Natural
Science is more about investigating outside factors and
applying more abstract ways of analysis and the ability to think
critically to make assumptions about phenomena and prove
them with mathematical models. But in mathematics there is
no observation and evaluation of certain phenomena, it is a
toolkit for solving some models and axioms. For scientists,
mathematics is no more than equipment for proving the
scientific hypotheses, while for mathematicians these
hypotheses are nothing more than an assumption, what
matters for them is the relationship between certain models
and numbers.

Interpretations Mathematics and Arts

Similarity
Mathematics and arts both have symbols and notations to
interpret them for the intended audience. In the case of
mathematics, mathematicians use symbols and notations for
expressing certain formulas and signs for interpreting theories
and giving specific value to these symbols. While in visual arts,
artists express the meaning of artworks through abstractive
symbols and details in the paintings to describe the motive and
idea of artworks. For instance, in mathematics, these symbols
are expressed in specific mathematical operations, like
formulas. The most basic symbols that are used in
mathematics are multiplication expressed with symbol “+”,
subtraction expressed with “-”, multiplication defined with the
dot or “*” and division expressed with “/” and “÷”, these are the
common signs that are known for everyone and the audience
by looking at them can interpret the goal of the operation and
interpret it to have a solid solution. The similarity with arts is
that artists use abstract and visual symbols to express the idea
of an artwork. These symbols can be revealed in different
forms and ways, like adding small visual details, colour usage,
composition, perspective, balance, focal point etc. and the
totality of these visual characteristics help to interpret the
purpose and function of artists’ works.
Difference
However, the process of interpretation and usage of symbols
and signs are completely different in both areas of knowledge.
In mathematics, mathematical notations and signs
long-established criteria and their meanings are absolutely
common for everyone. While in arts it’s way more complicated
to detect certain symbols and ideas of an artist, the process of
interpretation of artwork requires a critical way of thinking and
consideration of the artist’s ethical, historical and personal
background. To be more precise, mathematicians are the ones
who created mathematical signs in the past for theoretical
operations, and they can’t be changed because that will
influence the system of interpreting mathematical operations
as it’s considered as an international mathematical language.
In the case of visual arts, every piece of art differs from each
other with the usage of distinct symbols that indicates the
authenticity and individuality of the work. Visual arts are
defined as artistic works that meet the eye and evoke emotions
through an expression of skill and imagination, that’s why the
interpretation of the idea of the artwork is exclusively individual
for everyone. If in mathematics signs are common for
everyone, in visual arts it depends on the personal perception
of an individual.