Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Math: The usage of systems

Prescribed Title: "Knowledge is nothing more than the systematic organization of facts."




Knowledge is primarily attained by empirical evidence; facts are culminated into distinct patterns, which are then integrated into an overall comprehension of the world. In the field of mathematics, numbers are units that provide human beings a system of quantifying and placing a numerical value on objects, or in some cases, intangible concepts.

For example, the value of a diamond is showed by its rarity. To do so, one must place a price tag on a diamond to show the extent of its scarcity ; The Steinmetz Pink Diamond is worth 25 million USD and is valued at such because of its rare pink color and size. Additionally, fashion products are rated "couture", once they become limited to an elite group of individuals and is not readily attainable by the average person. Humans value the quality of products, not by certain stylistic features, but by the logo an item of clothing has. From Vera Wang to Prada to Louboutin, all "high-end" products have one thing in common: A hefty price tag. Only those who can afford these brands are deemed as fashionable and, consequently, have bought the concept of "being cool". 


In the case of rarity and what it means to be "in fashion" and couture, the numbers game is used to place value on these concepts. With this in mind, it takes more than the systematic organization of facts to constitute knowledge in the domains of "rarity" and "high fashion". If nobody thought diamonds were spectacles to be awed at or certain designer brands were the highlight of the fashion industry, then there would be no difference between choosing between a fake or a real diamond or shopping at Target or Burberry. Everything would be a level playing field. However, this is not the case. 

The systematic organization of facts, in the case of mathematics and determining "value", is not so objective and systematized as one might think. Since perception is reality, that which we value will have a bias in the system created to evaluate it. As in the case of diamonds and designer brands, the more valued a product is seen, the greatest numerical value it is given. 

First the idea gave birth to the perception which gave birth to the price tag. What a systematic process. 





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