Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Final Exam, Robert Dawson

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

When setting an examination, the instructor should always keep in mind who is going to be writing it!

I Am A Number, Sarah Glaz

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

No abstract provided.

A Mathematician Weighs In On The Evolution Debate, Kris H. Green

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

There are a variety of reasons underlying the lack of public acceptance for the theory of evolution in the United States. An overlooked cause is related to problems with the mathematics curriculum in the K-12 setting. In this essay, we examine this relationship and propose changes to the mathematics curriculum that could improve mathematical thinking while also providing a basis for understanding theories, like evolution, that are poorly understood.

On Doing Mathematics, Sue Vanhattum

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Who is a mathematician? What does it mean to do mathematics? I discuss my process in solving a math problem, and what it meant to me.

A Math Major, Polya, Invention, And Discovery, Susan D'Agostino

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

An assistant professor of mathematics presents a nonmathematical application of George Polya’s problem-solving strategies. In doing so, she suggests that Polya’s ideas concerning invention and discovery apply to the world beyond the math classroom.

Pedagogy On The Ethnomathematics--Epistemology Nexus: A Manifesto, Ilhan M. Izmirli

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

In this paper, we will elaborate on a pronouncement that should be at the onset of any study in epistemology and ethnomathematics, namely, we will argue that learners do think mathematically and it is our responsibility as educators to recognize and appreciate their modes of mathematical reasoning.

We will conduct our study in five parts. Following a brief introduction, in the second part, we will briefly discuss some of the critical tenets of epistemology especially as it applies to mathematics. The third part will be devoted to elucidating the basic nomenclature and hypotheses associated with ethnomathematics. In the fourth part …

What Do We Mean By Mathematical Proof?, Todd Cadwalladerolsker

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Mathematical proof lies at the foundations of mathematics, but there are several notions of what mathematical proof is, or might be. In fact, the idea of mathematical proof continues to evolve. In this article, I review the body of literature that argues that there are at least two widely held meanings of proof, and that the standards of proof are negotiated and agreed upon by the members of mathematical communities. The formal view of proof is contrasted with the view of proofs as arguments intended to convince a reader. These views are examined in the context of the various roles …

Aesthetic Considerations In Mathematics, Nathalie Sinclair

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Drawing on some of the principles of humanistic mathematics first outlined by Alvin White, this paper seeks to examine the way in which value judgments are implicated in the growth of the mathematics discipline. After a short overview of some of the roles ascribed to the mathematical aesthetic historically, I turn to more contemporary positioning of the aesthetic in order to develop a framework that offers insight into the particular values, assumptions and desires that constrain what is done in mathematics, how it is done and why. My goal, at least in part, is to bring together under one umbrella …

Welcome To The Journal Of Humanistic Mathematics, Mark Huber, Gizem Karaali

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

No abstract provided.