Dr. Francis Su spoke about how mathematics helps humanity flourish
The Center for Research in Science (CRIS) hosted an event entitled Math and Human Flourishing on Thursday evening to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Segerstrom Science Center. The event was led by Harvey Mudd professor Francis Su, Ph.D., who discussed the importance of math in society.
Su began his presentation with an anecdote about his friend Christopher, who developed an appreciation for math while he was in prison. Christopher wrote to Su to gain a better understanding about math, which he had never understood prior to his incarceration.
This story resonated with attendees like Danielle Griggs, a junior math major.
“People see the mathematical community as very closed,” said Griggs. “If you didn’t reach a certain level of math, then you can’t be involved in the conversation.”
Su believes this should not be the case. According to him, the pursuit of math in anybody’s life can lead to virtue. Su said the virtues math produces include exploration, play, beauty, justice, freedom and love.
Philosophy professor Josh Rasmussen agreed with Su’s idea of mathematical virtues.
“My feeling is that there is something about seeing the real value of life in thinking about a theoretical discipline, in relation to math,” Rasmussen said. “[Su is] talking about how doing mathematics can transform your life and make you more virtuous.”
Su said math is not just a boring worksheet of equations; it is beautiful too. According to him, educational culture around math needs to change, as math is for anybody who is curious about the world around them.
“Exploration is at the heart of doing math,” Su said.
Su said part of the problem surrounding mathematics lies in the American education system, where students are often brushed to the side because they do not show a natural affinity for math. Su asked teachers to pay attention to those who are marginalized in math, as there is something everyone can give to the study of math.
“Kids can stop taking math sophomore year of high school. You can’t give up on English your sophomore year of high school,” said Griggs.
Su ended his presentation by saying it is important to love one another and to understand how math causes connections.
After a brief break, the presentation shifted into a Q&A session. Audience members asked about what allows a human being to flourish, what questions math answers, how to pursue virtue and the ethics of algorithms.
“If you are a believer you have to think purposefully about what the use of these things are,” Su said.
Rasmussen represented the philosophy side and talked about how every field of study has a type of ethics. He believes it is important to discuss as everyone should try to live virtuously.
CRIS Director Louise Huang, Ph.D, agreed with Rasmussen.
“I think we have to take ethics into consideration. Which moral compass do we follow? I am a believer of Jesus Christ so I follow his moral compass,” Huang said.
The event was followed by a book signing by both Su and Rasmussen where they chatted with students, staff and those from outside the university about what they had discussed during the event.