Finding Beauty in Math and Science

Abstract

When we try to attach a conceptual, encompassing definition of beauty, we start to trip over our feet. Beauty is inherently a disputed concept. What do we really mean when we say something is beautiful. Is it an objective quality, a subjective experience, a mathematical equation that can be measured and tested? Many arguments have been made throughout history regarding the nature of beauty. Not purporting what beauty ultimately is, I will draw upon a rich history of aesthetic theory to develop and support the argument of mathematics holding aesthetic qualities. It is not my position to advance a particular one here at this time, or argue between them all. It is my goal to demonstrate how when taking certain theories of beauty drawn form Plato, St. Thomas Aquinas, Kant, and others that an argument can be made about mathematics being "beautiful" and causing the "aesthetic experience."


Introduction

Since the time of Plato, the meaning beauty has been debated. Various multidisciplinary theories on the meaning of beauty have been developed and deliberated. Whether beauty is based on subjective or objective characteristics still remains unsolved. The concepts of scientific and mathematical aesthetics are often considered as unrelated concepts. Initially, theories of aesthetics do seem to belong in the same realm of research as math. Alternatively, I will argue aesthetics in math is in deed a real area of research which has been propagated since the inception of aesthetical philosophy. Furthermore, both science and philosophy can advance research in aesthetics by finding common grounds on which to propagate their theories.