majoring in mathematics (or, as Clemson (unjustifiably) calls it, Mathematical Sciences)
If you mean that mathematics is not a natural science, then I agree with you. But ‘science’ has an earlier, broader meaning that applies to any field of knowledge, so mathematical science is simply the systematic study of mathematics. (I don’t know why they put it in plural, but that’s sort of traiditional.)
You’re right! I’ve been so caught up (for years now) with explaining to people that mathematics was not a science because it was not empirical (although, as I’ve since learned from Eliezer, “pure thought” is still a physical process that we must observe in order to learn anything from it), that I’ve totally failed to actually think about the issue.
There goes another cached thought from my brain; good riddance, and thanks for the correction!
If you mean that mathematics is not a natural science, then I agree with you. But ‘science’ has an earlier, broader meaning that applies to any field of knowledge, so mathematical science is simply the systematic study of mathematics. (I don’t know why they put it in plural, but that’s sort of traiditional.)
Compare definitions 2 and 4 at dictionary.com.
You’re right! I’ve been so caught up (for years now) with explaining to people that mathematics was not a science because it was not empirical (although, as I’ve since learned from Eliezer, “pure thought” is still a physical process that we must observe in order to learn anything from it), that I’ve totally failed to actually think about the issue.
There goes another cached thought from my brain; good riddance, and thanks for the correction!
You’re welcome!