Re: [Phys-l] What comes first, the equation or the explanation?

[chuck britton <cvbritton@mac.com>]

My first recollection of thinking along these lines came in my first 
'rigorous' math course back in the '60s which happened to 'Unified 
Geometry' by the SMSG.

It required providing 'Proofs' based on assumed Axioms and Postulates.
I loved the logical progressions but realized that I needed to have 
some sort of visual conceptualization before I could get a grasp on 
the situation and get started on the sequential steps required.

This is very similar (IMHO) to JD's comments on parallel and 
sequential processing.
There were no equations per se to call upon but I could visualize the 
points & lines in my minds eye to start the necessary wheels turning.

As I got into more and more abstract physics courses I was well aware 
that I needed some sort of concrete scenario that I could visualize 
and try to hang the more abstract constructs on.

I was often said to be a 'hands-on' sort of learner and was much more 
likely to resort to 'intuition' than were my more analytically adept 
colleagues.

Different strokes for different folks, I reckon.

.
At 5:05 PM -0500 12/21/11, Peter Schoch wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I am very fortunate to have inquisitive and gifted students in 
> Physics this year that are asking LOTS of questions.  As we get 
> ready for finals, the questions are getting more frequent and more 
> detailed, but the one I got yesterday was a "stumper" that some of 
> you might appreciate!  At the end of asking his physics questions 
> the student turned to me and asked one more:  "Professor, when we 
> ask you a question, do you see the formulas first and then create 
> the explanation or get the explanation first and then see the 
> related formulas?"
>
> I stopped.  I was befuddled, as I had never really thought of it 
> before now.  I thought my way through it to a vague answer (in my 
> mind) that seemed to satisfy the student, but it has been running 
> around in my head ever since.  Now as I answer questions, I find 
> myself also trying to pay attention to see 'what comes first, the 
> equation or the explanation'.  Of course the physicist in me also 
> notes that because I am aware of it, I may be skewing my perceptions 
> of which I do.  Nevertheless, it is a fascinating idea...
>
> Happy Holidays,
> Peter