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> anti-intellectualist drivel You're barking up the wrong tree. At worst it's elitist, not anti-intelectual: "The math myth is the myth that the future of the
by B1FF_PSUVM 4y ago
> anti-intellectualist drivel
You're barking up the wrong tree. At worst it's elitist, not anti-intelectual:
"The math myth is the myth that the future of the American economy is dependent upon the masses having higher mathematics skills."
Just doubting the need for higher math skills to be massified, not against their being necessary, perhaps to an elite.
- epgui 4y agoI would agree with you if the author had indicated more clearly that that was his position. He is choosing to defend an extremely difficult position, and his argument is more a rhetorical flourish than anything.
- 300bps 4y agoIt’s literally the concluding sentence. I’m not sure if it would’ve been possible to indicate his position more clearly. Higher mathematics should be offered and taken by those who need it, or want it; but never required of all students. Also the author is a mathematics professor. He isn’t anti-intellectual. EDIT Wow. You posted ten angry comments in about 40 minutes. This seems to have hit a nerve.
- epgui 4y agoSorry, just to be clear: it's obvious that this is the position he is taking, but the substance of his reasoning, argument or rationale is lacking. The distinction between the two contrasting positions we're discussing, which are both compatible with the text you highlighted, is what is unclear. It doesn't matter who he is: the idea he's advancing is fundamentally an anti-intellectual one. It would be an anti-intellectual idea even if it came out of Einstein's mouth. Edit in response to edit: sorry if my comments give the appearance of anger, that is sincerely not my intended tone. I am admittedly very passionate about the issue of anti-intellectualism in society.