The product of mathematics is clarity and understanding. Not theorems, by themselves.
- Bill Thurston
Does one have to be a genius to do mathematics? The answer is an emphatic NO.
- Terry Tao
Why do mathematics? This is a simple question, but worth considerable reflection.
Because how you answer will strongly determine who you think should be doing mathematics, and how you will teach it.
- Francis Su
The ”Mathematics for Humans” reading group will have its first meeting of the semester on Friday November 19 at 3:15pm. Sponsored by the departmental climate committee, the goal of this group is to promote discussion in the department about what it means to do mathematics and be a mathematician. Note that we will have our second meeting on Friday December 10 at 3:15pm.
All are invited! From undergraduate students through senior faculty, we hope that diverse members of the department are represented. Unlike most reading groups, no homework or reading is required outside of the meetings. Each meeting will feature a short piece, and we will begin with a silent period to read it, followed by discussion in small groups.
At the first meeting we will read this short article about the mathematician Edray Goins and his decision to leave a tenured position at Purdue. We hope his story sparks a discussion about the experience of mathematicians from marginalized communities.
Hope to see you there.
-Ian and Jamie (on behalf of the climate committee)