Mathematics and Aesthetics. A TOK Activity

Mathematics in Nature

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1. Which of these slides most clearly demonstrates the mathematical aspects of Nature? What makes the slide you have chosen so mathematical?

2. Would you class any of these slides as “art”? If so, why? If not, why not? Pick one that you feel is and one that is not and be ready to defend position.

Art and Architecture

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3. Mathematics is an essential element in all forms of constructions. Of the buildings and structure you have seen, which uses mathematical ideas in the most pleasing, beautiful and elegant way? Justify your answer.

4. Write down another example of a building or structure which you can think of that is essentially mathematical in its construction. What makes this structure so mathematical?

5. In the artwork you have seen, is mathematics a fundamental element of the work, or merely a useful technique?

6. Are any of the following essential in understanding and creating art?

Proportion Golden Ratio Perspective

Justify your choices.

Abstract Mathematics

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7. All of these objects are purely mathematical in the sense that they are generated by purely mathematical means. Which of these slides did you find most beautiful? Why?Which did you find most artistic? Why?

8. Can objects like these be classed as art? Yes, points for. No, points against.

Proofs and elegant mathematics

9. Whilst these pieces of mathematics are not visually pleasing, like fractals or the Mandelbrot Set, what features make these pieces of mathematics beautiful to a mathematician?

10. Which of the following words can be associated with mathematics?

Beautiful Creative Elegant Stunning

For those words that you do feel you can associate them with mathematics, choose the slide which best exemplifies this quality.