Trivium & Quadrivium

I found it interesting to read about the history of Christianity interacting with the liberal arts education. I think there is still a debate present in faith communities about what knowledge is important to learn and where it conflicts with the goals of different religious groups. Can faith and math go together? 

It seems that theoretical mathematics was an important study. The article mentions philosophical approaches to mathematical thinking. I think this is less of a value in our culture today and I wonder why. Perhaps society right now is more interested in making sure students have the practical skills they will need in a future profession than in developing that theoretical type of thinking.

So interesting to read about how there was a theology of numbers and numbers being gendered. I think that people today sometimes have special numbers or lucky numbers. I sometimes think there are "nice" numbers that have a kind of symmetry or pattern to them.

This article reminded me how in history we can see patterns of pendulum swinging. At one time theoretical knowledge, rhetoric and mystery might be valued and then there is a shift to very scientific knowledge or instrumental skill perhaps. I think this shows why historical understanding is important, even in mathematics. It shows us the different environments where mathematics was developed and how it was valued.