On Tue, Apr 14, 2015 at 2:39 AM, Richard Pieri <richard.pi...@gmail.com> wrote: > On 4/13/2015 7:36 PM, Bill Bogstad wrote: >> >> Exactly and why should Calculus be what everyone takes after their HS >> Algebra sequence? > > > Algebra teaches you one way to approach solving problems. Calculus > immediately after algebra teaches you a different way to approach solving > problems while the first is still fresh in your head. The sequence teaches > you to think. It teaches you to think outside the box. > > On the other hand, if you goal is to be a diploma mill code monkey then > thinking outside the box is detrimental to your chosen career path and you > don't need calculus. You probably don't need anything more complex than > basic arithmetic.
Did you not believe that other branches of mathematics can teach you how to think differently? Take the Monty Hall problem for example. So counter intuitive that quite a few people with Ph.Ds in engineering and mathematics got it wrong when they saw it. Perhaps there is something to even basic probabiliity after all. I will state it again. YES, Calculus is good. It stretches your mind. The specific things it teaches you may or may not be relevant to what you plan to do. Other branches of mathematics also stretch your mind, they may be more relevant. Is it really so hard to accept the theoretical possibility that the above might be true? Not for all people/but for some. To all of those who don't believe the above: Is it possible that this is some kind of hazing thing? You had to take Calculus and it was hard, therefore everyone should take it. Bill Bogstad _______________________________________________ Discuss mailing list Discuss@blu.org http://lists.blu.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss