Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge
13
Chapters
165
Notes
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Chapter 3 - Knowledge & Language(Optional)
Chapter 3 - Knowledge & Language(Optional)
Chapter 4 - Knowledge & Politics(Optional)
Chapter 4 - Knowledge & Politics(Optional)
Chapter 5 - Knowledge & Religion(Optional)
Chapter 5 - Knowledge & Religion(Optional)
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Chapter 7 - History(AoK)
Chapter 7 - History(AoK)
Chapter 8 - The Human Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 8 - The Human Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 9 - The Natural Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 9 - The Natural Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Chapter 12 - ToK Exhibition
Chapter 12 - ToK Exhibition
Chapter 13 - ToK Essay
Chapter 13 - ToK Essay
IB Resources
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge

Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)

Eternal Truths: Mathematics, Certainty, and the Evolution of Proof

Word Count Emoji
658 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Hello there, young scholars! Ready to dive into the exciting and somewhat mystifying world of mathematical proofs and truth? Hold onto your thinking caps because this is going to be one enlightening journey!

The special bond - mathematics, certainty, & objectivity

Do you know what sets Mathematics apart from other subjects? It's the unshakeable reliability that comes with it, all thanks to a magical thing called mathematical proof. You see, mathematical proof is like a promise: if it's true once, it's true forever. Imagine if all your friendships were like that, huh?

 

Now, what makes these proofs so bulletproof? It's not just because they've got a tough outer shell. It's because they're created using pure reasoning, completely detached from empirical arguments. This is a bit like building a tower using nothing but legos, without needing glue (or empirical evidence) to hold it together.

 

Real-life connection? The process of building a Lego tower without any glue is very much like crafting a mathematical proof! 🧱💡

Ingredients of a mathematical proof

So, how does one cook up a mathematical proof? Well, the recipe calls for logical inferences from theorems (previously proven conjectures) and axioms. Axioms are either self-evident truths or assumptions that act as the starting point, just like a seed is to a plant.

 

If there's a weak link, it's often in the axioms. But even with a possible Achilles heel, if all steps of a proof are logically sound, voilà, you've got a theorem.

 

Think of it like building a Jenga tower. If you've placed all the blocks correctly (aka logical steps), you end up with a sturdy tower (theorem). However, the bottom blocks (axioms) can make or break the game.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Theory of Knowledge. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

Nail IB's App Icon
IB Resources
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge

Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)

Eternal Truths: Mathematics, Certainty, and the Evolution of Proof

Word Count Emoji
658 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Hello there, young scholars! Ready to dive into the exciting and somewhat mystifying world of mathematical proofs and truth? Hold onto your thinking caps because this is going to be one enlightening journey!

The special bond - mathematics, certainty, & objectivity

Do you know what sets Mathematics apart from other subjects? It's the unshakeable reliability that comes with it, all thanks to a magical thing called mathematical proof. You see, mathematical proof is like a promise: if it's true once, it's true forever. Imagine if all your friendships were like that, huh?

 

Now, what makes these proofs so bulletproof? It's not just because they've got a tough outer shell. It's because they're created using pure reasoning, completely detached from empirical arguments. This is a bit like building a tower using nothing but legos, without needing glue (or empirical evidence) to hold it together.

 

Real-life connection? The process of building a Lego tower without any glue is very much like crafting a mathematical proof! 🧱💡

Ingredients of a mathematical proof

So, how does one cook up a mathematical proof? Well, the recipe calls for logical inferences from theorems (previously proven conjectures) and axioms. Axioms are either self-evident truths or assumptions that act as the starting point, just like a seed is to a plant.

 

If there's a weak link, it's often in the axioms. But even with a possible Achilles heel, if all steps of a proof are logically sound, voilà, you've got a theorem.

 

Think of it like building a Jenga tower. If you've placed all the blocks correctly (aka logical steps), you end up with a sturdy tower (theorem). However, the bottom blocks (axioms) can make or break the game.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Theory of Knowledge. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟