Another Sort of Mathematics with Jake Tawney

Summary

In this episode, Shannon Valenzuela and Jake Tawney explore the significance of the quadrivium in education, particularly focusing on mathematics as a bridge between the material and the divine and the ability of mathematics to help students access truth. They discuss the eternal nature of language and mathematics, explore music as number in ratio to itself, and consider the importance of proofs in mathematics. The conversation emphasizes the need for pedagogical approaches that prioritize understanding and wonder over mere proficiency, ultimately arguing that the study of mathematics reveals deeper truths about the universe and God.

Topics Covered:

• A different way of understanding the four arts of the quadrivium
• Mathematics as a bridge between the material world and the eternal
• The arts of language and mathematics as foundational to education
• Music and mathematics
• Proofs in mathematics as a form of rhetoric 
• The power of lessons that present engaging problems that motivate inquiry
• The study of mathematics and a unique longing in the human soul
• Success measured as love, not just skill proficiency

Today's Guests:

J. Jacob (Jake) Tawney has been enamored by mathematics for as long as he can remember, from kindergarten to calculus. But he truly fell in love with it during his sophomore year at Denison University during a course on mathematical proofs. After completing an undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science from Denison, he continued his studies at The Ohio State University. There he earned a master’s degree in mathematics, submitting a thesis on the mathematics of juggling. During his time in Ohio, Tawney taught at Upper Arlington High School and the Pontifical College Josephinum, including courses in Euclid and the philosophy of mathematics. In 2014 he relocated his family to Phoenix, Arizona, to join Great Hearts Academies, where he currently serves as the chief academic officer. Jake is the proud husband of Christina and the proud father of eight children, all of whom have something unique in their souls that can only be satisfied by wondering about mathematics.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
03:50 The Eternal and the Earthly: Understanding the Significance of Three and Four
10:34 Music and Mathematics: The Relationship of Ratios and Intervals
14:54 Math's Unique Contribution: Bridging Heaven and Earth
24:48 The Importance of Proof: Rhetoric in Mathematics
33:09 Bridging Theory and Practice in Mathematics Education
39:00 Wonder and Conversation in the Math Classroom
45:14 A Different Way to Measure Success

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Another Sort of Mathematics by J. Jacob Tawney at Encounter Books and on Amazon

More on the Quadrivium Retrieval: https://quadriviumretrieval.org/

University of Dallas Links:

• Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-ed
• St. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/

Support the show

Support the show

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!