This episode continues my sporadic series on the various fields students may choose to study while in college, today discussing a major in mathematics. My guest is Dr. Francis Su, a professor of Mathematics at the prestigious Harvey Mudd College. Francis is a past president of the Mathematical Association of America, has been featured in Wired and The New York Times, and is the author of the award-winning Mathematics for Human Flourishing.
In this podcast we discuss:
How Francis first got interested in studying mathematics
The distinction between mathematics and arithmetic
How math helps us shape a set of virtues and flourish (vs. approaching math as simply skills)
Career opportunities for those with a degree in mathematics
Which character traits indicate you may do well as a math major
The similarities between mathematics and philosophy
The similarities between mathematics and music
Different emphases in the field of mathematics
How studying mathematics has helped Francis in his spiritual life
Challenges mathematics has posed to Francis’ faith
Where he sees ideas in mathematics as consistent with a Christian worldview
Areas in mathematics Christian students may want to consider pursuing
Francis’ general advice for all college students
Resources mentioned during our conversation:
Francis Su, Mathematics for Human Flourishing
Derek Schuurman’s work on ethics, faith, and technology
Francis Su’s website
Francis Su’s article “The Lesson of Grace in Teaching”