This sounds like an intriguing argument meant for discussion around a hearth and with brandy.
On the other hand, many whose work we admire have gone before us in the arts. It's natural to ask the question, "What makes this or that piece different from work we find mundane?" No one is saying this is simple and that it leads to simple, never to be disobeyed rules, but many of us would like to improve ourselves. I've heard it said, "Well, just go out and snap more photos!" Perhaps, but not all of us have an innate sense of composition or if we do are able to draw on it for our own creativity. In all other disciplines, whether it be dance, music, archery, painting, architecture, etc. Studying under masters and adhering to initial basic rules, at least at first has always proved most beneficial. As regards mathematics being a tool of interpretation, and having no validity other than that which we impart to them, consider a binary number system. Either you exist or you don't, Chris. What sort of validity should we impart to your existence? As I said, this is all very philosophical and requires brandy, or at least a consultation with the Reverend Jack Daniels. Regards, Bob.... -------------------------------------------------------------------- "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!" - Benjamin Franklin ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Brogden" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, December 29, 2002 8:49 AM Subject: Re: Numbers and the Golden Section > > In case anyone hasn't noticed this yet, it's impossible to resolve this > argument, as people are operating from two different world views. I'm > actually with Don on this one, as I believe mathematics is a tool, a > language, and essentially a set of metaphors that we use to understand the > world around us. They're a tool of interpretation, and have no validity > other than that which we impart to them. Any sort of aesthetic judgement > as to the beauty of certain forms is, of course, a totally separate issue. > > chris > > > On Sun, 29 Dec 2002, Herb Chong wrote: > > > sorry, but the angles of growth of crystals are governed by the laws of > > physics and mathematics. the geometry of molecular growth of crystals > > forces certain angles and that is what happens. > > > >
