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How to Cure the Plague of Calculus (or Revisions in the Introductory Mathematics Curriculum)

In: The Future of College Mathematics

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  • Fred S. Roberts

    (Rutgers University, Department of Mathematics)

Abstract

The story goes that calculus was invented because of the bubonic plague. Indeed, the Great Plague of 1664–65 closed Cambridge University, and led Isaac Newton to retire to meditate. As a result, he invented the calculus ([2]). Now many of our students would not be too surprised to learn that calculus was born of the plague; indeed, they rather think of it as a plague in its own right. The fundamental premise of this paper is that the plague of calculus needs curing. Indeed, I shall argue that today’s introductory mathematics curriculum, with its almost exclusive emphasis on calculus, is short-changing and misleading students. Then, I shall try to describe how we can do better.

Suggested Citation

  • Fred S. Roberts, 1983. "How to Cure the Plague of Calculus (or Revisions in the Introductory Mathematics Curriculum)," Springer Books, in: Anthony Ralston & Gail S. Young (ed.), The Future of College Mathematics, pages 121-133, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-1-4612-5510-9_12
    DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4612-5510-9_12
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