Steve Zides

Wofford College, zidessb@wofford.edu

Equationas a metaphor

for lifein a two

cultures class

Physics 104 – Conceptual Physics for Non-Science Majors

Physical Aesthetics

Physics 104 – Conceptual Physics for Non-Science Majors

A “Sink Hole” of student enthusiasm

Physical Aesthetics

Physics 104 – Conceptual Physics for Non-Science Majors

A “Sink Hole” of student enthusiasm

Physical Aesthetics

Physics 104 – Conceptual Physics for Non-Science Majors

A “Sink Hole” of student enthusiasm

A “Must Keep at Least One Eye Open” experience

Physical Aesthetics

“A statement of equality between two quantities as shown by the equal sign” (Webster’s Dictionary)

Defining Equation

“A statement of equality between two quantities as shown by the equal sign” (Webster’s Dictionary)

“A statement asserting the equality of two expressions, usually written as a linear array of symbols that are separated into left and right sides and joined by an equal sign.” (Dictionary.com)

Defining Equation

“A statement of equality between two quantities as shown by the equal sign” (Webster’s Dictionary)

“A statement asserting the equality of two expressions, usually written as a linear array of symbols that are separated into left and right sides and joined by an equal sign.” (Dictionary.com)

“Something to memorize for the test.” (Good Students)

Defining Equation

“A statement of equality between two quantities as shown by the equal sign” (Webster’s Dictionary)

“A statement asserting the equality of two expressions, usually written as a linear array of symbols that are separated into left and right sides and joined by an equal sign.” (Dictionary.com)

“Something to memorize for the test.” (Good Students)

“About 10points off.” (Not-So-Good Students)

Defining Equation

“What is really peculiar to quantities is that we compare or

contrast them in terms or on grounds of equality. We

predicate ‘equal’, ‘unequal’ of all of the quantities

mentioned…. Of nothing, moreover, save quantities can we

affirm these two terms. For we never say this disposition is

‘equal’ to that or ‘unequal’….Such things are termed ‘like’

and ‘unlike’. Thus our calling something ‘equal,’ unequal,’ is

the mark, above all marks, of quantity.”

Aristotle’s Thoughts on Equals

Individual Work•Think of an equation you believe to be important (famous).• Write down the equation (as best you can)• What is the equation trying to tell you about the world?•Why do you think the equation is important?

Group Work• Get together with your two nearest neighbors and share.• Rank the three equations in order of their “Truth”.

“What is your Favorite Equation?”

Empirical Equations are based on observation and experience. They are approximate relational fits to

experimental data. One can never prove an empirical equation is true, only demonstrate its validity.

Platonic Equations are derived from a given set of axioms. Assuming the axioms are true, one can prove a platonic

equation is true.

Empirical vs. Platonic Equations

•An Academic discovers an old leather notebook containing a set of mysterious equations, which he suspects to be the mythical Drode’s Equations.

•As he travels, by train, to deliver the notebook to his colleague at the university, he muses over the possible meaning of the equations as well as the loveliness of the countryside.

•Although the author never directly states it, there is an implication that Drode was somehow able to capture the fundamental timelessness of human perception.

Drode’s Equations by Richard Grant

Equation in Pop-Culture

Scene from Bender’s Big Score

Farnsworth: Shizz, baby. So paradox free time travel is possible after all.Bubblegum: Right on. But dig this multiplicand here.Farnsworth: The doom field? That must be what corrects the paradoxes. Curly Joe: When that momma rises exponentially, it could rupture the very fabric of causality.

Mary Lesser

Equation as Visual Art

Michael Henderson

Visual Art as Equation

Piet Mondrian “Art makes us realize that there are fixed laws which govern and point to the use of the constructive elements, of the composition and of the inherent interrelationships between them. These laws may be regarded as subsidiary laws to the fundamental law of equivalence which creates dynamic equilibrium and reveals the true content of reality.”

Steve Zides

Wofford College, zidessb@wofford.edu

Equationas a metaphor

for lifein a two

cultures class