What is Math About?: Masao Morita at TEDxKyoto 2012

Kyoto Mathematician Morita Masao unlocks the hidden mysteries and real-world applications of numbers.

Masao Morita
Independent scholar
The word "mathematics" may delight some people and terrify others. Masao Morita, while still enrolled with the Tokyo University Mathematics Department in 2010, began his explorations as an independent researcher by founding the Kai An Mathematics Dojo in Fukuoka. In the years since, Masao has been continuing his independent research outside the university system, conducting practical workshops that explore the concept of "thinking under constraints that go beyond our thoughts". His main research interests include Category Theory and the Theory of Computation. Masao seeks to fuse the theoretic and practical aspects of mathematics, and to share the insights they offer with the world. To this end, Masao regularly conducts unique "mathematics concerts" around the country, both conducting and performing in a demonstration of Mathematics that will leave you breathless.

森田 真生
独立研究者
「数学の演奏会」をご存知ですか？そのステージで拍手に包まれる演奏家＝Playerこそが森田真生さんです。2010年、東京大学理学部数学科在学中に、福岡県糸島市に数学道場「懐庵」を立ち上げたのが、独立研究者としての第一歩。以来、「思考を超えた制約の中に思考を投げ出す」ことをテーマに、さまざまな実験的ワークショップを開催しながら、大学制度の外側で独自の研究活動を展開してきました。主な関心は「圏論」「計算論」。現在は京都に拠点を構え、自然と「ともに-考える（com-putare）」という、言葉本来の意味での計算（computation）ということを理論的、実践的に追求しています。同時に、数学の世界の数々「名作」を「演奏する」ことをコンセプトに、「数学の演奏会」を全国各地で開催しています。

About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[chrischappa]

Mathematics is simultaneously the art of problem-solving and the philosophy of problem-solving.

[xario]

Okay, this is very simple: You take a few rules (axioms) you like and go wild. You create a whole universe of things these rules imply. You create (define) some objects. Math is the connections and relations between your objects. It's like Magic the Gathering, except you don't have to buy cards.

[raminomelu]

There's a reason why mathematicians don't go into stand up comedy.

[Stelios.Posantzis]

Very inspired! I was actually looking for an explanation of what mathematics are and happened upon this - I don’t think I can find a better one!

[ghadabensaid]

I just love him :'( and I love maths, maths is more than just endless numbers it's a philosophy that needs endless view 

[kimsahl]

Math is about the quantities of the Nature (Nature = everything).

[satnamo]

Mathematic is that which I get to know by thinking about the simplest things like prime numbers and waves.

[parishmitadeka]

I've never thought about math in this way. I have an article to write on math( my major subject) and after looking at some books and articles written by several mathematician, I've come to the conclusion that we should be taught about philosophy of math along with the core subject !

[zoechau]

Thank you for uploading this.


When you really get into mathematics you will know he is right:)

[taylorlomba]

Enjoyed this. Very relatable to artistic practices.. Hope you are still sharing your passion and perspective 💭

[blufuz]

I think a math concert is a wonderful idea.

[systemsgfk]

母と父と子との御名において···
幾何と代数と解析の御業において···
三位一体🙏

[shantanukaushikmathoholic]

Loved it, talking about Joocho, I had the same Experience as he said.

[a_little_bit_of_wisdom]

Some of these comments suggest the problem faced in evolving a more coherent basis for math.  Masao Morita has truncated his ideas, and they may sound trivial. But they're based in sound neuroscience.  Humans (and other animals) come prepared with heuristic tools to explore reality.  Infants have more neurons than adults, and those early years lay down a vast number of intraneural paths.  Yet as I write this I realize how foolish I am, given the reactions already here. 

[AlessandroBottoni]

Math is essentially a *technology* (a set of *tools*, like numbers, and *techniques*, like theorems) that we use to *represent* (or *simulate*) Reality. We use those simulations to *analyze* phenomena and *predict* results. Maths is so complex, it forces us to think over our... *thinking* (that is: cognition). That is the reason why it is so fascinating.

[youarenotme]

i am untrained Mathemticiam and i came to exact same conclusion on my own.

i can effectively describe how i use my mind in this way.

[systemsgfk]

数学のもとになるのは頭ではない。情緒だ
～岡潔〜
心は脳内に存在しない
〜小林秀雄〜

[elidel]

MATH is the gateway to another dimension

[LuizHenrique-hpdu]

Excelent talk. I love the spiritual perspective. Because is that i ve percepted the math. If you can conect the sorrounding things, you have to find the math behind the thought process nad their levels of complexity.

[tarabying]

Simply wow! I love mathematics however completely differ concept than I do love.