Ben Orlin, a math educator and creator behind 'Math With Bad Drawings,' discusses reframing math as a language. He shares insights on how math relates to everyday life, using playful analogies with fantasy towns and hilarious anecdotes about counting in Welsh. Delving into the relationship between math and intuition, he highlights biases in statistical reasoning and the influence of language on understanding numbers. Their discussion also touches on the philosophical connections between math and music, inviting listeners to see math through a fun lens.
Ben Orlin reframes mathematics as a language, enhancing understanding by treating numbers as nouns and algebra as grammar.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of curiosity and obsessive thinking in developing mathematical problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
Engaging students through games and playful activities in math education helps create a positive relationship with the subject.
Deep dives
The Concept of Infinite Loops
The idea of infinite loops in thought highlights the cyclical nature of human reasoning, especially in complex subjects like markets and mathematics. It emphasizes how people often find themselves revisiting the same questions without making progress towards understanding. This podcast discusses strategies to break these cycles, suggesting that by learning how to reset one's thinking, individuals can gain clarity and fresh perspectives on challenging issues. This reset is framed as a crucial step to develop both as investors and critical thinkers.
The Power of Mathematical Thinking
The guest speaker, Ben Orland, underscores the intersection of mathematics and psychology, showcasing how mathematical principles can enhance psychological understanding. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and obsessive thinking in the process of discovering and solving mathematical problems. Orland's double major in math and psychology allows him to dissect the thought processes of great mathematical minds, which often includes an obsessive dedication to their field. This exploration illustrates how the traits that define mathematical geniuses can also be applied to broader problem-solving scenarios.
Mathematics as a Language
The discussion introduces the notion of conceptualizing mathematics as a language, with numbers serving as nouns and algebra functioning as grammatical structures. This perspective aims to demystify the mathematical process by framing it as a form of communication rather than an intimidating set of symbols. This approach can make mathematics more accessible, particularly for those who find traditional methods convoluted. By treating math as a language, learners can develop a more intuitive understanding, allowing for a more comfortable engagement with complex concepts.
Teaching Math Through Play and Games
The podcast emphasizes the benefits of incorporating play and games into mathematics education as a means to foster engagement and understanding. Through activities such as dice games or puzzles, students can explore mathematical concepts in a fun and interactive way. This approach not only entertains but also provides real-world applications of mathematical thinking, allowing for experiential learning. By framing math as a series of engaging challenges, educators can help students develop a positive relationship with the subject.
Understanding the Concept of Zero
The concept of zero is discussed as a pivotal mathematical idea that carries both practical and philosophical implications. While it might seem straightforward to understand zero as 'nothing,' the podcast delves into its profound significance in mathematics and beyond. The challenge of integrating zero into the number system reflects broader themes of abstract thinking and the evolution of mathematical concepts. Through this exploration, listeners are encouraged to appreciate the complexity of foundational ideas that influence broader mathematical understanding.
The Mystery of Infinity
Infinity is presented as one of mathematics' most compelling yet elusive concepts, captivating thinkers and mathematicians alike. The discussion explores how individuals grapple with understanding infinity and the various interpretations that arise in mathematical contexts. This includes the complexities of set theory and the recognition that infinity challenges our traditional notions of quantity and existence. By examining infinity, the podcast invites listeners to reflect on the larger questions of existence and the nature of understanding itself.
As a former quant with six grandkids, my spidey-senses started tingling as soon as I heard about Ben Orlin’s mission to make math fun.
A native of St.Paul, Ben is a math educator and popularizer who is known for his “Math With Bad Drawing” blog and book series. Today’s conversation revolves around his excellent, original new book Math for English Majors: A Human Take on the Universal Language, which reframes math as a language, complete with nouns, verbs and grammar.
Like any mathematician worth his salt, Ben loves games, which he sees as ‘puzzle engines’. No wonder then that our conversation meandered and unfolded like a satisfying puzzle, touching upon rich concepts. We discussed making sense of sampling through fantasy towns where 70% of inhabitants are lawyers (not a town I’d like to be in), threw in a bit of Lewis Carroll to discuss the assumptions built into propositional logic (sometimes it really is turtles all the way down) and pitied the Welsh kids learning how to count (keep listening to know what that means).
I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did! For more thoughts on the episode, the full transcript, and bucketloads of other stuff designed to make you go; “Hmm, that’s interesting!” check out our Substack.
