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It seems like my interests are divided between physics and philosophy. Really, I just want to study whatever brings me closer to the truth, whatever that is. In a perfect world I would study both physics and philosophy, but I'm not sure how viable that is. I'm not sure how to pose this question without sounding like a dunce. Physics is involved right understanding the observable world around us, but it also seems to be trying to find some sort of answer of what reality and all this is. But on the same token, isn't science based on philosophical assumptions? What if those assumptions are wrong and this is just some dream-reality? I want to come closer to the Truth of what all this is... what to make all of it... but I don't now which path is the right path to take, so to say. This isn't a subjective question regarding what I'm interested in more -- I'm actually wondering (objectively) whether (in our day and age) science or philosophy is a better way for understanding reality and how it works.

I don't have any exposure to sequences/series, polar functions, or parametrics. Any suggestions for textbooks that I could find in Canada? Even any online resources?

Thank you for the replies so far, everyone. @timo: Regarding popular science books, I'm unsure why you wouldn't find them educational? I'm in the process of reading "The Scientists" which is a fairly detailed history of science. I'll be reading "The Fabric of the Cosmos" next. Money isn't an issue for schooling, but currently it is an issue. So buying textbooks in bulk is not viable for me. @tom: I'm actually from Canada. I realize education and schooling can be separate things. I just say that for the sake of brevity and simplicity. School to me is just a means, not an end. I'm not interested in the status of having a PhD or anything. It's just something to do for someone who's entirely immersed in learning, particularly of philosophy and science. @DJBruce: My science background is pitiful compared to my philosophy background. (Mainly because I've pursued philosophy on my own, whereas science/math I've only been exposed to at school). I'll be honest; I'm only half-way through school. Canada doesn't offer any AP courses, or anything for someone looking for a challenge. It's quite dull. My first physics class won't be until the school year starts. My only exposure to physics has been through popular science, articles, explanations, etc. For example, I understand relativity in layman's terms, but I don't know anything technical behind it. As far as math: The most "advanced" work I've done is quadratics and trigonometry. Pitiful, I know. Even then, the courses didn't EXPLAIN quadratics or trigonometry -- they only gave us the equations so we could solve problems. It's like a part of the puzzle is missing. I don't think it matters that I'm only so basic... I think it's more important that I'm eager and willing to learn. And have a determination.

Unfortunately I'm still dredging my way through high school. Once I'm finished with this institution, I'm looking to get degrees in philosophy, physics, and mathematics. I'm not sure which one of those I would want a PhD in. Probably philosophy. (Money isn't an issue.) Anyways, I really need to accelerate my education. Philosophy I have no problem studying on my own, because it's relatively accessible. Mathematics and science is a little bit more difficult to break into, it seems. Obviously popular science is a way of learning about science, but it's only useful up to a point, for someone who will be studying science in University. And I don't think there is such a thing as popular mathematics. So I guess what I'm asking is, what are the best ways to go about independent study? I need a) popular science books; b ) textbook-like materials on science (physics) and mathematics from junior/senior high school years onwards; c) anything that helps reinforce these, learn these, or provides questions, problems, etc. Is this possible or am I way over my head?

Does anyone know if the Southwestern Volume Libararies are any good for learning math/physics from? I happen to have a full volume from a few years back.

So yeah I love science but I'm only in grade 10 and we are severely understimulated (to the point of boredom). They don't get any extra challenge to people who are actually interested in science. I need some physics books mainly. Of course my math education isn't very advanced, but I'd be willing to do math on my own if it helps with any physics. I wouldn't mind some medical/biology books on bio engineering. I don't know-- any recommendations?

This is more just telling me about game programming. I don't want to know about that specifically. I wanted to know more about what type of mathematics are required for each sector of computer science/computer programming.

So I'm just curious about how much math is needed in a computer science degree/and for programming in general. And how much advanced math do you need to know? I know it varies depending on what kind of programmer you are. So how much math would programmers in the video game industry require? Or people developing software/business applications? So far I've done good in math at school but I haven't really taken any hard courses so I don't really know how I'll fare with that.

I live in Canada and at least in my area high-schools don't offer any sort of Advanced Placement or Honors courses. Why am I interested in physics? That is a tough question to answer. I'm interested in all forms of science but physics has definitely stood out for me. For one part I love problem-solving and critical-thinking which math relates to. I always wonder how things work, why they work, what makes them work, etc. Not "things" but rather the world as a whole. Physics seems like it applies to the world around me more than other forms of science (I know this may not be true, but I relate more to physics than other branches). Whenever physics have been done in school it has also inspired and motivated me. I want to go beyond what we are learning and digest as much information as I can. I just find it fascinating. I am also interested in a lot of the philosophical concepts behind astronomy. I see physics as a part of the philosophy. What the universe is, where our race is going, where the universe will end up, etc. I don't know if these are the right reasons but I would definitely say these reasons are different than "Oh my gosh science-fiction is so cool I'm going into physics."

Okay, I don't really know where to go so I'm just going to give the lowdown. I'm just a guy who's interested in science. I'm only in high school. I'm only in grade 10. Seems so young compared to the rest of the forum... but I don't see how it should be a damper on my interest in science. I have a few questions. 1) How do I know I have any sort of talent/ability for science/mathematics? I mean I've gotten good marks in high school so far (general science: 95ish, Math, 90ish) but I mean I doubt those are good indicators. It's more a matter of working hard than having any innate ability. Whatever I do I like to challenge myself, achieve something that would be difficult for others. How do I know I'm capable of this in the science field? 2)I'm mainly interested in physics. Is there some reading material on physics/astronomy that I can pick up and get me ahead of the game? The high school cirriculum moves too slowly for me. I won't mind also looking at less detailed books for other fields of science... just so I'm well rounded. Thanks for any help.

I know that I'm definitely interested in science but I don't can't narrow it down to an exact category of science that I want to study. I've been interested in computer science and astronomy my whole life. I've got good math and science skills so I'm not really limited to what I would want to study. I know that astronomy is a wide field that can encompass computer science majors but that's not really the part of astronomy I'm interested in. Do computer science majors/jobs use a lot of advanced math such as physics and calculus used in astronomy? There's also dilemmas such as which one does the world need more right now? Astronomers or computer scientists? I don't really know where I'm going with this post. I'm just looking for advice I guess.