Thanks to Jacob Mohler for sharing this video with me. This call to embody mathematics comes from Satyan Devadoss, Fletcher Jones Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of San Diego. The video is from the 2018 Culture Care Summit, where the Fuller Theological Seminary Brehm Center director Mako Fujimura hosted a conversation on culture care in education, journalism, and more. Learn more about the Brehm Center here: www.brehmcenter.com.
Culture Making
Mathematics as Culture Making
I recently came across a great article from Redeemer University College (Canada) summarizing the work of Dr. Keven Vander Meulen that I thought would be worth sharing here. Here is a link to the article:
“Mathematics as Culture Making”
A few apt quotes:
The large variety of applications for matrix algebra illustrate that mathematics has cultural power, that it can be a tool for stewardship and culture-making. Mathematicians unfold the potential of creation and can stand in awe of our Creator as they discover the order and patterns within our world. Far from being a disembodied subject in an academic vacuum, mathematics impacts our broader culture.
And also:
Christians can reflect on mathematics as a culture-making activity. As noted by Andy Crouch, culture-making includes not only what we create, but also how we shape our understanding of the world around us… Mathematics is not neutral, Vander Meulen highlighted. He also defined mathematics as the naming of numerical and spatial aspects of creation. And so the study of mathematics complements rather than detracts from faith.
For those interested in this topic, here is a link to more information on Andy Crouch’s work on culture-making.
Kevin has spoken on this topic at past conferences of the ACMS. I strongly encourage readers of this site to check out his work.