Math for Life
At the end of a long teaching term, I found myself reflecting on the beauty of mathematics — not just as a tool for solving problems, but as the very framework of knowledge and reality itself. Is it too much for my young padawans?
unreality
Articles and Essays, Unpublished, Philosophy, Physics
The Unreal Universe — Seeing Light in Science and Spirituality
This essay, originally written for a Singaporean newspaper The Straits Times, was published in an altered form in a philosophy magazine called The Philosopher. The published article (also posted in this blog — Perception, Physics and the Role of Light in Philosophy) had too much editorial input, I felt.
We know that our universe is a bit unreal. The stars we see in the night sky, for instance, are not really there. They may have moved or even died by the time we get to see them. […]
Uncertainly Principle
One of the few features in physics that have captured the public attention, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle figures way up there with the Big Bang and E=mc2. It is an independent axiom, standing on its own, not reducible to any other more fundamental principles. However, here is an Unreal attempt to derive it.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
This essay (perhaps not right to call it a review) is inspired by Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. A modern day classic that hardly needs any more endorsement, this book is bound to change the way you look at the world, and live your life.
Perception, Physics and the Role of Light in Philosophy
Published in The journal of the Philosophical Society of England. The Philosopher, Vol. LXXXXVI No. 1 (Spring 2008), pp 3-7
This article examines the role of light in perception, physics and philosophy. Based on the similarities between metaphysical and spiritual or philosophical views on space and time, the article sheds new light on modern physics — the special theory of relativity, in particular.
Creative, Work and Life
The Story So Far …
The Story So Far a “live” biography of mine. It will be updated, amended and republished whenever I can find time to get creative.