Mathematics, Computing, Ethics, and Religion: From Naïve “Contradictions” to Deep Agreement

Mathematics, Computing, Ethics, and Religion: From Naïve “Contradictions” to Deep Agreement

Mathematics is about proof — ideas such as the Pythagorean Theorem or that pi is irrational are foundational to mathematics, and ultimately, science. And for most modern Jews, we don’t approach the Bible or religion in the same way. So where can we find value in the relationship between eternal and universal mathematical proofs and particular ethical questions we face today? How can the wisdom of the Bible and the Talmud help us utilize mathematical concepts to make our world better? And how can mathematics and Judaism help us gain knowledge from experts and become better independent thinkers?

Dr. Olga Kosheleva and Dr. Vladik Kreinovich are based in El Paso, and are members of Temple Mount Sinai. They are originally from Russia and emigrated in 1989, and at present they both teach at the University of Texas at El Paso. Olga teaches future teachers and co-chairs the Teacher Education Department, while Vladik teaches computer science. You can see full Dr. Kosholeva’s biography here and Dr. Kreinovich’s here.

(This post is part of Sinai and Synapses’ project Scientists in Synagogues, a grass-roots program to offer Jews opportunities to explore the most interesting and pressing questions surrounding Judaism and science. “Mathematics, Computing, Ethics, and Religion: From Naïve ‘Contradictions’ to Deep Agreement,” a talk given at Temple Mount Sinai on August 19, 2021, was the fourth in the series Higher Meanings: Connecting Religion and Mathematics. The next event in this series, “Gersonides and the Limits of Knowledge,” featuring Dr. Snezana Lawrence, will be on October 17, 2021 at 6:30 pm MT / 8:30 pm ET)

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