College Faith

#44: A Guide to Majoring in Mathematics

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This episode continues my sporadic series on the various fields students may choose to study while in college, today discussing a major in mathematics. My guest is Dr. Francis Su, a professor of Mathematics at the prestigious Harvey Mudd College. Francis is a past president of the Mathematical Association of America, has been featured in Wired and The New York Times, and is the author of the award-winning Mathematics for Human Flourishing.

 

In this podcast we discuss:

  • How Francis first got interested in studying mathematics
  • The distinction between mathematics and arithmetic
  • How math helps us shape a set of virtues and flourish (vs. approaching math as simply skills)
  • Career opportunities for those with a degree in mathematics
  • Which character traits indicate you may do well as a math major
  • The similarities between mathematics and philosophy
  • The similarities between mathematics and music
  • Different emphases in the field of mathematics
  • How studying mathematics has helped Francis in his spiritual life
  • Challenges mathematics has posed to Francis’ faith
  • Where he sees ideas in mathematics as consistent with a Christian worldview
  • Areas in mathematics Christian students may want to consider pursuing
  • Francis’ general advice for all college students

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    Resources mentioned during our conversation:

    • Francis Su, Mathematics for Human Flourishing
    • Derek Schuurman’s work on ethics, faith, and technology
    • Francis Su’s website
    • Francis Su’s article “The Lesson of Grace in Teaching”
      • ...more
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      College FaithBy Stan W. Wallace
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