Why Mathematics? What Mathematics?

• Published in: The Best Writing on Mathematics 2013 Vol. 4; pp. 130 - 142
• Main Author: Sfard, Anna
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United States Princeton University Press 19.01.2014
• Subjects: Academic aptitude; Applied psychology; Behavioral sciences; Cognitive processes; Cognitive psychology; Curricula; Education; Educational psychology; Formal education; Language; Learning; Linguistics; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical aptitude; Mathematical induction; Mathematical objects; MATHEMATICS; Mathematics curricula; Mathematics education; Numeracy; Pedagogy; Political communication; Political discourse; Political science; Political sociology; Popular science; Psychology; Sayings; Science education; Slogans; Vernacular language

“Why do I have to learn mathematics? What do I need it for?” When I was a school student, it never occurred to me to ask these questions, nor do I remember hearing it from any of my classmates. “Why do I need history?”—yes. “Why Latin?” (yes, as a high school student I was supposed to study this anc...