I've finally found a math class i don't care for very much. Euclidean geometry just doesn't do it for me. I'm not entirely sure if that is because of the course material or because of the the way the class is set up. First of all, we're not using a textbook. While i suppose it saves me money, i would like to have something as a reference and guide outside of what we learn in class. As a programmer, i learn from looking at sample code. The same holds true for me for learning other subjects as well. There are just so many details in geometry that we just don't have time to go over everything in detail in class. Then we are instructed that we may assume some things and then not others - the distinction between the two isn't clear. In a class know for proofs, we're writing some of the sloppiest proofs i've seen in any match class. I sure hope the rest of the students don't so the same in other math classes because it would never fly.
It is interesting that Euclid built his whole system of geometry based solely on five axioms, or fundamental facts he accepted with out proof. One of which is that all right angles are equal. From a very basic framework, it's amazing to see all the applications mathematicians have found for such a simple idea. Geometry is a discipline that i would expect to be very precise and organized. If it is, i'm not getting that perception in my class.
The other day in class we made some triangles out of uncooked spaghetti and scotch tape. For the whole rest of class you could hear students crunching on the rock hard pasta. I guess that's what happens when you have class around dinner time.
Posted by Matthew at May 17, 2006 09:47 PM