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Mathematics Between Research, Application, and Communication

In: Raising Public Awareness of Mathematics

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  • Gert-Martin Greuel

    (University of Kaiserslautern)

Abstract

Possibly more than any other science, mathematics of today finds itself between the conflicting demands of research, application, and communication. A great part of modern mathematics regards itself as searching for inner mathematical structures just for their own sake, only committed to its own axioms and logical conclusions. To do so, neither assumptions nor experience nor applications are needed or desired. On the other hand, mathematics has become one of the driving forces in scientific progress and moreover, has even become a cornerstone for industrial and economic innovation. However, public opinion stands in strange contrast to this, often displaying a large amount of mathematical ignorance. In this article, which is addressed to a readership without any special mathematical education, I shall look at these tensions and try to reveal some of the causes that lie underneath. I will also try to explain a current scientific research topic, but mainly focus on the question whether it is possible or necessary to transmit an understanding of mathematics to the general public. I am aware that my ideas on mathematics, which are presented here as theses in a rather dense form, certainly do need further elaboration. Nevertheless I hope that they are interesting enough to stimulate further discussions.

Suggested Citation

  • Gert-Martin Greuel, 2012. "Mathematics Between Research, Application, and Communication," Springer Books, in: Ehrhard Behrends & Nuno Crato & José Francisco Rodrigues (ed.), Raising Public Awareness of Mathematics, edition 127, pages 359-386, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-642-25710-0_26
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-25710-0_26
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