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"Why" does not exist in science. "Why" is metaphysics. Pure math is increasing abstraction, moving away from physical reality, from examples to patterns. Appli
by hopler 8y ago
"Why" does not exist in science.
"Why" is metaphysics.
Pure math is increasing abstraction, moving away from physical reality, from examples to patterns. Applied math is the reverse direction.
No matter which direction is your personal preference, sometimes switching direction helps you reach your goal.
- Pamar 8y agoMaybe you would prefer "what for" vs. "what"?
- ska 8y agoYou misread my intent, I'm sure I could have been more clear. "Why" in this case is not the subject of study, but the motivation (to repeat the OPs phrasing). Wearing an "applied" hat or "pure" hat I might end up studying the same objects, but for different reasons. For what it's worth I find your characterization awkward; an attempt to map onto a simple spectrum that seems to miss something important. I'll have to think about why that is.