216 | John Allen Paulos on Numbers, Narratives, and Numeracy
Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
00:00
Rethinking Mathematical Literacy
This chapter explores the critical components of mathematical literacy essential for informed citizenship, advocating for a stronger foundation in arithmetic, probability, and logical reasoning. It critiques the educational system's shortcomings, particularly the lack of relevant subjects like statistics, and emphasizes the need for politicians to possess basic mathematical skills for better decision-making. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the role of critical thinking in interpreting scientific and economic issues, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of numerical literacy in everyday life.
Transcript
Play full episode
