Big Picture Science

Math's Days Are Numbered


Listen Later

Imagine a world without algebra. We can hear the sound of school children applauding. What practical use are parametric equations and polynomials, anyway? Even some scholars argue that algebra is the Latin of today, and should be dropped from the mandatory curriculum.

But why stop there? Maybe we should do away with math classes altogether.

An astronomer says he’d be out of work: we can all forget about understanding the origins of the universe, the cycles of the moon and how to communicate with alien life. Also, no math = no cybersecurity + hackers (who have taken math) will have the upper hand.

Also, without mathematics, you’ll laugh < you do now. The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has peppered his animated show with hidden math jokes.

And why mathematics = love.

Guests:

  • Andrew Hacker – Professor of political science and mathematics at Queens College, City University of New York. His article, “Is Algebra Necessary?”, appeared in The New York Times in 2012.
  • Bob Berman – Astronomy editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the author of The Sun’s Heartbeat: And Other Stories from the Life of the Star That Powers Our Planet, and columnist for Astronomy Magazine. His article, “How Math Drives the Universe” is the cover story in the December 2013 issue.
  • Simon Singh – Science writer, author of The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets
  • Rob ManningFlight system chief engineer at the Jet Propulsion Lab, responsible for NASA’s Curiosity rover
  • Edward Frenkel – Professor of mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley, author of Love and Math: The Heart of Hidden Reality. His article, “The Perils of Hacking Math,” is found on the online magazine, Slate.

    Descripción en español

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Big Picture ScienceBy Big Picture Science

    • 4.5
    • 4.5
    • 4.5
    • 4.5
    • 4.5

    4.5

    899 ratings


    More shows like Big Picture Science

    View all
    Science Friday by Science Friday and WNYC Studios

    Science Friday

    6,133 Listeners

    The Deadpod by J.Henrikson

    The Deadpod

    1,207 Listeners

    Nature Podcast by Springer Nature Limited

    Nature Podcast

    756 Listeners

    Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science by The Planetary Society

    Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

    1,345 Listeners

    Science Magazine Podcast by Science Magazine

    Science Magazine Podcast

    811 Listeners

    Science Quickly by Scientific American

    Science Quickly

    612 Listeners

    Radio Detective Story Hour by Dennis Humphrey

    Radio Detective Story Hour

    393 Listeners

    Common Sense with Dan Carlin by Dan Carlin

    Common Sense with Dan Carlin

    11,326 Listeners

    Dan Carlin's Hardcore History by Dan Carlin

    Dan Carlin's Hardcore History

    63,522 Listeners

    Astronomy Cast by Fraser Cain and Dr. Pamela Gay

    Astronomy Cast

    2,866 Listeners

    Meditation Oasis by Mary and Richard Maddux

    Meditation Oasis

    3,922 Listeners

    Brain Science with Ginger Campbell, MD: Neuroscience for Everyone by Ginger Campbell, MD

    Brain Science with Ginger Campbell, MD: Neuroscience for Everyone

    817 Listeners

    Philosophy Bites by Edmonds and Warburton

    Philosophy Bites

    1,532 Listeners

    Science In Action by BBC World Service

    Science In Action

    344 Listeners

    Unexpected Elements by BBC World Service

    Unexpected Elements

    355 Listeners

    Universe Today Podcast by Fraser Cain

    Universe Today Podcast

    544 Listeners

    Ask a Spaceman! by Paul M. Sutter

    Ask a Spaceman!

    804 Listeners

    The Quanta Podcast by Quanta Magazine

    The Quanta Podcast

    499 Listeners

    SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy by Stuart Gary

    SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy

    320 Listeners

    Dan Carlin's Hardcore History: Addendum by Dan Carlin

    Dan Carlin's Hardcore History: Addendum

    8,234 Listeners

    Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe by iHeartPodcasts

    Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe

    2,307 Listeners

    The Supermassive Podcast by The Royal Astronomical Society

    The Supermassive Podcast

    287 Listeners

    Why This Universe? by Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman

    Why This Universe?

    363 Listeners