While arithmetic is almost undeniably necessary for programming (and even some more advanced topics like basic linear algebra), I think the core argument here i

While arithmetic is almost undeniably necessary for programming (and even some more advanced topics like basic linear algebra), I think the core argument here is more about "higher" math. Stuff like how to reason about abstraction and prove statements or more technical details like how to confront round off error. I'd say these are essential skills for me, but I can see why some might see them as unnecessary.