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Image, Influence and Importance of Mathematics as Directives for Public Awareness

In: Raising Public Awareness of Mathematics

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  • F. Thomas Bruss

    (Université Libre de Bruxelles, Département de Mathématique)

Abstract

The image of mathematics in society has many different sides. If we interview people then we get different answers depending on whom we ask. The level of education has a substantial role, though it is not clear whether it is the dominant role. The variety of answers is large if we ask people to give their opinion about the influence of mathematics and mathematicians in society. We cannot expect the public to have a clearer view of mathematics than mathematicians themselves, and here things become interesting. Mathematicians have a rather coherent perception of the image and influence of mathematics but their perception of what is important in mathematics, and of the importance of mathematics as such, may be very divergent. Do different perceptions of importance possibly harm our field? Where do we see the greatest influence of mathematics on society? And then, where should we feel responsible for the reputation of mathematics? The objective of this article is to analyse these questions and to give examples showing that strategies for raising the public awareness of mathematics should take these questions and partial answers into account.

Suggested Citation

  • F. Thomas Bruss, 2012. "Image, Influence and Importance of Mathematics as Directives for Public Awareness," Springer Books, in: Ehrhard Behrends & Nuno Crato & José Francisco Rodrigues (ed.), Raising Public Awareness of Mathematics, edition 127, pages 297-311, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-642-25710-0_22
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-25710-0_22
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