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New Scientist: Maths is a marvel full of universal truths

The London Mathematical Society’s letter was published as the Editor’s Pick in the New Scientist. Read the full text of the letter below:


Dear Sir,


I read with interest Michael Brooks’ article The Maths Divide. I share the article’s concerns about low levels of numeracy and high levels of ‘maths anxiety’. But I think the solution does not simply lie in adopting a ‘more utilitarian approach’ to mathematics. This risks taking the wonder and imagination out of the subject, which is what inspires people to keep studying the subject and pushing back the frontiers of our understanding.


The value of mathematics to society is clear. Not only have discoveries in mathematics led for centuries to applications and achievements in every area of science and technology, but it is also an inherently valuable part of our shared human experience. It already belongs to all of us - mathematics is cumulative and builds on all previous insights and advances, whether made by ancient Greeks or anyone else.

The insights and discoveries of mathematics don’t just apply through time, they apply through space too. The same fundamental mathematical truths apply on the other side of the universe, just as they do on Earth. You can’t say that of sociology, for example.


Maths remains the most popular subject at A-Level with around 90,000 pupils sitting it every year. Ensuring the pipeline of maths talent remains in a healthy state is why the London Mathematical Society set up the Protect Pure Maths campaign last year. The campaign seeks to ensure that university maths departments get the funding they need and society gets the maths graduates necessary to flourish – and to help the next generation of learners to avoid maths anxiety. The campaign also recognises that pure maths exists as just one part of an entire mathematical sciences ecology, each part as special and vital as the next. That’s why the campaign aims to promote all maths and protect funding.


Asking whether mathematics ‘belongs’ with the sciences or the humanities may be a provocative and fun diversion. But the subject faces serious challenges around funding and perception. The Protect Pure Maths campaign exists to make the case for maths. We’d welcome Michael Brooks as a supporter of our campaign.


Yours…

 

Caroline Wallace

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