Professor Dr. Bissell mentioned that mathematics was an area where there is
potential for "indoctrination". Indoctrination in mathematics is possible
and there is an enormous potential within 'applied mathematical' disciplines
such as 'financial math', 'statistics' and 'econometrics' to distort,
construe and manipulate reality.
Mathematical operations and functions and relations are fixed; these are the
tools of syntax in mathematics. Relational operators such as equals, minus,
etc., have fixed meanings; they render 'apodictic' certainty in conveying
basic quantitative information regarding the meaning content of the
symbols....[Cassirer].
In the applied maths like statistics there is room for 'inferential' wisdom
to be 'construed' from the data that lends itself to the relational and
functional operators of math. The inferences as to causality are therefore
subject to some 'opinion' whether it be qualified or professional. The use
of statistical inferences is also subject to 'manipulation' or what some may
call 'mandates' that are not 'inherent' in any of the 'conceptual'
hypotheses that may be extracted from data.
Data itself is 'meaningless' and one dimensional. Information is
'meaningful' in part, and is two dimensional, while knowledge is three
dimensional {viz temporality and spatiality} and therefore ultimately
'valuable' and 'policy' laden.
M. Ponty writing in the "Phenomenology of Perception" mentions that
knowledge is a 'system of substitution' and therefore any of the orders
preceeding the 'completion', or 'closing' of knowledge acquisition, are
subject to change depending on the organ and instrument of perception, as
well as the rules and premises that 'operate' in a threefold sense {viz
relational, contact and meaning sense}.
Mathematics can be used to 'lie' with statistics through the use of
'inferences as to causality' or it can be used to construct 'precise'
objects {ie., both abstract, and concrete}.
Mathematics can be used to 'indoctrinate' and 'manipulate' a subjects' sense
of reality as it relates to the threefold senses {viz investments in equity
funds}, but not for long; the presence of 'democractic' conventions like
free speech, and exchange of ideas lends itself to the 'deconstruction' of
any 'social constructions of reality' periodically. This exercise of
deconstruction frequently lanquishes under the 'iron heal' of 'mercenaries'
who 'believe' that they are following the footsteps of freedom etched into
the sandstones of time.
"The corporate vegetator divine.' [Goethe]
Values and policy should be an integral part of all environmental education.
The best policy is to ask the advocates of the various and ranging values to
be the speakers themselves....for what they 'uphold' as value and policy
demanding....
"Who will be there to speak for the 'others' [Timaeus]....and the 'Other '?"
chao
john foster
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