Reflection on Simmt Article

I enjoyed this article because it explains some of the reasons why we study math and how we, as a society, benefit from it whether it is pure or applied. It states that mathematics helps those in power influence public opinion but at the same time it helps general folks in developing skills necessary to assess those opinions and allow them for active participation in democracy. I, also, agree that there is a particular way of thinking when we learn mathematics and that can be used in many aspects of life. In our teaching practice, we should be aware of the varying approaches to solving problems. Discussion about these different methods can be as meaningful as the theoretical discoveries themselves. We tend to think more critically and find reasons for our beliefs and convictions just the way we look for proofs in mathematical theories. We find practical use for these theories in everyday life, business, science, medicine, economics, etc. As our theories evolve and we produce more discoveries we induce further growth from which we benefit as individuals and as a society.