I am generally bullish on the use of metaphors for understanding the world around us. I find Douglas Hofstadter and Emmanuel Sander's idea that metaphors are central to language and thought to be fairly compelling. I recognize the potential for a metaphor to lead one down a primrose path. At the same time, how else are we to think and communicate about something like the interior of a biological cell, an environment none of us could ever actually visit or experience? If we cannot avoid metaphors, we can at least be … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Methods Maketh Metaphor
metaphor
Science Corner: Finding Your Way Through Math
Topology is a standard topic in mathematics; topiary less so. That's why I thought it was pretty cool to read about a mathematician-designed maze in celebration of the Abel Prize. At least, I like the idea in principle; I might feel differently after a couple of hours of wandering. Still, it is a nice little metaphor. Math, like many intellectual pursuits, involves twists and turns and blind alleys. Although unlike mazes, there are no deterministic algorithms guaranteed to get you out (eventually). So making progress … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Finding Your Way Through Math