The Quadrivium

I’ve read with excitement about a number of schools (e.g. New Saint Andrews College) claiming to teach the Quadrivium. Sadly, nobody does.

The Quadrivium consists of:

• Applied and computational mathematics (arithmetic and its successors)
• Abstract and proof-based mathematics (geometry and its successors)
• Mathematically-based natural science (astronomy and its successors)
• Music (which is never out of date)

A feasible syllabus might therefore be:

Year 1:

• Introductory computing
• Introductory calculus
• Chemistry
• Music theory & practice

Year 2:

• Advanced computing & operations research
• Advanced calculus & group theory
• Physics
• Music theory & practice

Year 3:

• Advanced electives

Year 4:

• An integrative project, for example:
  • Use finite-element modelling to study different materials for making a violin. Explain why a Stradivarius sounds so good, and suggest ways of obtaining an even better sound.
  • Compose a symphony about Werner Heisenberg, and perform it on the piano, accompanied by Schrödinger’s cat.
  • Find the best way of packing nine-dimensional hyperspheres. Prove your answer correct, and discuss whether such spheres make any music.

I’m not holding my breath, however. :)