Finding Truth in Math, Arts, and Ethics

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The title asks one to what extent is truth different among mathematics, the arts and ethics; it does not question the existence of truth. I interpret truth as justified belief and categorize it into three approaches: personal, social and universal. Personal is what one perceives to be true, social is what a group perceives to be true, and universal is what the whole perceives to be true (Bernardin). In this essay, it will be shown that the approach towards finding the truth within mathematics, the arts and ethics vary, but upon further investigation, the final truth is intertwined.

Mathematics is approached as a universal truth. I was once given the equation

“9x – 7i > 3 (3x – 7u)” and asked to solve for “i”. Any mathematician who has been introduced to algebra would immediately execute the procedures necessary to isolate the “i”. Doing so, I determine the answer to be “i < 3 u”. According to mathematical reasoning that is the only true answer, and any mathematician around the world would get the same answer. Mathematics is approached without question or doubt unless another person attempts to solve the problem and arrives at a different answer. At that point, the two mathematicians would closely scrutinize the procedures used by both and eventually, confirm the answer to be “i < 3 u”. No matter where in the world one travels, mathematics is a universal concept. It is a connecting factor for all humans to share knowledge. Different units can be used for the same measurements, but there are always conversions and equations that can be used to determine values for comparison, such as converting a dollar to a Euro or inches to centimeters. Truth in mathematics is approached in a universal manner and concludes that when anyone a...

... middle of paper ...

... in a universal manner but can be found in the arts. The arts are approached in a personal manner but are influenced by mathematics and spark ethical issues. Ethics is approached in a social manner but can affect the arts. Overall, the approaches toward finding the truth within mathematics, the arts and ethics vary, but the final truth is intertwined.

Works Cited
Bernardin, Andrew. "Four Types of Truth." The Evolving Mind. N.p., 15 June 2008. Web. 25 Jan. 2010. .

Lamb, Robert. "How are Fibonacci numbers expressed in nature?" HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications, 24 June 2008. Web. 28 Jan. 2010. .

Rowse, Darren. "Rule of Thirds." Digital Photography School. N.p., 2009. Web. 29 Jan. 2010. .

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