Environmental Science A20 - The Edge of Reason

Institution:

Wheaton College - Massachusetts

Subject:

Description:

Consciousness has been memorably described as a flashlight trying to illuminate itself. (Perhaps art is the human activity that best understands the surrounding darkness ) The edge of reason is the boundary between light and dark: the mathematics at the border between knowing and not-knowing. In this course, we'll use logic and reason to grapple with ideas and concepts that are literally beyond the reach of human imagination. Forever and a Day ?xploring different kinds of infinity Nothing Doing ?he opposite of everything is nothing; but what does it mean for something to be nothing Lower Dimensions ? solid block is three-dimensional. What about a sponge A cloud Higher Dimensions ?ll hyped-up and no place we know. M?ius bands, Klein bottles, hypercubes, and hyperspheres Imaginary Numbers ?maginary numbers! ! Logical Conclusions ?ow can we logically use logic to understand the limits of logic Sense and (Non)Sensibility ?nformation, disinformation, and codes-Tales from the cryptological The Edge of Reason is for anyone interested in understanding the mental models our minds make. While people who enjoy math are encouraged to take the course, the only prerequisites are an open mind, a big mouth and an inquiring spirit. The pay-offs are a keener analytical mind, a new way of looking at reality, a penchant for expressing the inexpressible and the ability to tolerate sleep deprivation. (Bill Goldbloom Bloch)

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wheatoncollege.edu

Phone Number:

(508) 285-7722

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.