Can zombies write mathematical poetry? Mathematical poetry as a model for humanistic mathematics

Abstract

Mathematics is a creative endeavour, but mathematicians and mathematics instructors often have difficulty convincing others of this fact. In fact, most people who are not already oriented toward mathematics fail to notice that mathematics is a perfect model for what makes an activity human, as it involves the three main ingredients of what makes our species special: cognition, consciousness and creativity. In this note, I share some thoughts on the creative component of mathematics and propose that mathematical poetry is a perfect model and ambassador for a more humanistic understanding of mathematics.