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”