The Benefits of Math

Mathematics principles can be readily observed in fields like engineering and computer science. Thus, it is generally accepted that math is vital for those pursuing careers as scientists, engineers, or programmers. But what about those in other professions?

Students often ask a common question during math lessons:

"When will I ever need this?"

A cheeky response could be:

"For situations you've yet to encounter."

While that might sound flippant, the myriad of potential life events an individual may experience is staggering—billions or even trillions of possibilities exist when we consider life's unpredictability. Thus, dismissing the study of math based on its immediate relevance overlooks the fact that future challenges might not mirror current experiences. Additionally, it's a common misconception that real-world problems can be tackled using insights from only one discipline. In reality, various fields of study might be necessary to solve a single problem.

For instance, a successful entrepreneur might integrate lessons from both math and communication studies.

However, individuals with specific career paths or hobbies that don’t directly involve math may question the need for further mathematical study beyond the basics. One notable example is in sports, where figures like Muhammad Ali are celebrated as legends despite reportedly having an average IQ.

While it's true that academic lessons often apply more to physical activities, the debate over math's relevance is extensive and complex, meriting its own discussion. Nonetheless, I assert that math holds a significant place in everyone's life, rooted in what makes humans unique—not just our physical capabilities.

• In terms of athleticism, humans fall short compared to lions and tigers.
• When it comes to endurance, wolves outpace us.
• In hunting skills, domesticated cats surpass human capabilities.

Humans have ascended to the top of the food chain because of our ability to think several steps ahead and grasp the larger picture. Unlike other predators that hunt solely for sustenance, humans can strategize hunts for specific seasons and set traps to aid in capturing prey. This cognitive ability is what distinguishes us. Even for athletes or those in non-scientific careers, the capacity to solve problems and make decisions remains crucial.

For example, while math may not directly enhance a golfer's performance, logical reasoning will aid in determining the most beneficial career tour at various points in their journey. This awareness can lead individuals to appreciate the subtler aspects of mathematics.

In particular, logic involves analyzing various factors for their truthfulness, scrutinizing arguments, and assessing their validity. A detective, consciously or unconsciously, applies this process when evaluating evidence to ascertain a suspect's involvement in a crime.

For those skeptical about mathematics' value, I argue that its lessons are relevant—provided one engages with the appropriate mathematical subfields for their activities. For instance, one might explore:

• Math and Physics
• Math and Computer Science
• Math and Psychology

In doing so, one may find how these disciplines complement one another. For those less academically inclined, studying math as a personal interest could still be beneficial.

The Benefits of Science

Now, let’s discuss science.

I have engaged in discussions with friends regarding the comparative value of learning math versus science, and I contend that both are essential.

• Math serves as the foundational language through which we describe our world.
• Science applies this language to investigate our surroundings.

To claim that science holds greater importance than math overlooks the fact that science is inherently reliant on math. Nonetheless, I believe there are aspects of science that convey certain concepts at least as effectively, if not more so, than mathematics.

A significant advantage of science is its examination of how various materials and phenomena interact to create everything we observe and engage with. A simple yet illustrative example is recognizing that water consists of two different atomic types bonded together. Beyond that, the methodology of science is itself a valuable learning experience.

For example, if one peruses a psychology textbook, they may notice an extensive reference section. This reflects the reality that scientific findings are built on previous discoveries. For any claim to gain acceptance in the scientific arena, it must undergo peer review, which ensures that flawed experiments and unsupported assertions are challenged. True science is an exceedingly slow and deliberate process, often requiring decades or even centuries to fully elucidate a concept. Furthermore, one learns that experiments can be conducted in various ways—with some methods being more effective than others—and that multiple variables may influence the outcomes.

The most significant takeaway from studying science is the promotion of skepticism.

For example, just because someone makes a statement does not inherently make it true. Conversely, even if a claim is false, a portion of it may still hold validity.

References

1. Hoffman, David. “Magnificent Vietnam Green Beret Tells What Happened To Him.” YouTube. Uploaded by David Hoffman. 11 Dec 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRR2eQn6pRg
2. Chieng, Ronny. “Ronny Chieng Explains Why Chinese People Love Money.” YouTube. Uploaded by Netflix Is a Joke. 25 Jan 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_KpLrHCAx0
3. “Eight facts about former boxing champ Muhammad Ali.” reuters.com. 3 June 2016. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-ali-facts-factbox/eight-facts-about-former-boxing-champ-muhammad-ali-idUSKCN0YQ07Q