In our high school
introduction to Math, understandably, we are not taught to think of
Math. as also Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Tools -- Tools we
can use to gain some Knowledge and Understanding, of our Knowledge
and Understanding of ourselves, others, and the World.
Among the most powerful
ideas the human mind has come up with, are the notions of "Variable,
Functions, and The Calculus". In his Epistemologic,
Meta-Psychologic book "Science And Sanity", Alfred Korzybski
referred to the Calculus as The Logic of Sanity, involving "
A study of a Continuous
Function by following its history by indefinitely small steps:" as a
way to understand and deal with problems.In a World of Continuous
Functions (Think. "Changing Relationships")...In a world where every
'thing' has a history...In a world of "Variables" (Think of words
and anything, based on the different meanings and values we give, as
"Infinite Valued Algebraic Semantic Variables"). In such a World. We
can apply The Method of The Calculus as a Supreme, Psychological,
Psychotherapeutic, Critical Thinking Standard and Guide...A
Scientific Tool...A Tool we can use to help us resolve our problems
at personal, cultural, national and international levels. (As a
Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Tool. There are "No numbers or
equations involved".)
We live in a world of
changing relationships (Continuous Functions) and other Variables.
As individuals, as continuous functions...We are in changing
relationships with time, ourselves, others, changing environments,
language, and the culture that we inhabit and inhibits us. 'Things'
(occurrences, happenings, goings on), exist as continuous functions
of time, themselves, other things, and so on. That we live in a
world of changing relationships is usually forgotten when addressing
problems. There is a tendency, usually based on a "One cause one
effect paradigm", I call it our "Algebraic Menace", when we forget
situations, problems, etc, as "Semantic Variables", and "Continuous
Functions" (changing relationships). Wouldn't we be better off
resolving our problems thinking "Multi-Causality, and
Multi-Consequences, than "Thinking based on "One cause one effect"??
I find this a little
funny...but also disconcerting: In our elementary algebra
problem-solving (Y = 3X): We give X a value to solve the problem.
(We can give X any value we choose. In life situations, the
different semantic values we give to the variables of our problems,
and our non-acceptance of this as legitimate, normal and natural,
often add to our problem.
Also. As a Function of
Time, Itself and other variables -- While we are busy, occupied in
exploring the roots of a problem, describing the problem, setting up
committees, discussing plans, etc: The "Problem" (not a noun, but a
verb) as a continuous function of time, is often, not only changing
due to interrelated and interacting goings on...But in its own
activities as a goings on, and as a continuous function: The problem
is also a problem creator, creating other problems. In addition to
this: Our Knowledge and Understanding sometimes become
"Constants"...In their blocking our accepting and gaining further
Knowledge and Understanding that could help us resolve our problem!
In applying The Method of
The Calculus: Since we do not know and cannot know...If, When, That,
we have taken the last step in our explorations -- We can assume
that our Knowledge, and Our Understanding, will be Conditional,
Provisional, Incomplete, and Uncertain. And also. If Our beliefs are
functions of our Knowledge and Understanding...Our beliefs will also
be provisional, incomplete, and Uncertain!!!
Imagine trying to solve a high school algebra problem when the
variables you started with kept changing...and creating their own
variables!!! (Reminds me of A Canadian National Film Board film
where a fellow is trying to sit on a chair that kept moving away
whenever he tried to sit on it. (I forget the name of the film.))
Remembering that we are
dealing in a world of continuous functions, changing variables, and
emergence of more variables, can help us better manage problems.
BTW. We as Individuals, are also Continuous Functions of Time,
Ourselves, Others, and Goings on. We are not Constants.
So what are those involved
in so effectively solving mechanical, scientific, electric,
electronic, etc., problems, doing? Our politicians, and ourselves
could learn a bit from them about solving problems. I would guess
that the Method of the Calculus (but with numbers and equations) is
involved.
Comments welcome!
Milton Dawes
