Mathematics can be defined not only as the study of patterns but also as the
study of logical arguments and deductive reasoning. Most research
mathematicians find beauty in the elegant structure of mathematical proofs.
Just as patterns lend beauty to the visual, musical, poetical, and design arts
in which they are found, the structure of mathematical thinking can be found
applied throughout history in various corners of the humanities, lending its
clarity of argument and elegance of presentation to a sometimes unexpected
context. In this talk, we consider a brief survey of the applications of
specifically mathematical thought to philosophical and theological questions,
from the Pythagoreans through the Ontological Argument of Descartes to
contemporary interpretations of Chaos Theory. Disclosure: this is neither
Philosophy of Mathematics nor Philosophy from a trained philosopher; the level
is targeted for bridge-building in the liberal arts education of our
students.