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Why Do Maths?

Entry 251, on 2005-11-18 at 14:17:00 (Rating 2, Science)

A report cited at Slashdot says that most skilled labour is likely to move from America to Asia during the next ten years. There is a lack of skill in the US work force, because there are few maths and science graduates. Stats show only 4,400 maths and science PhDs in the US, compared with 24,900 in Asia. Simple numbers don't tell the whole story, of course. For example, we don't know what quality these Asian graduates are compared with the US. But Asia has already taken over the lead in manufacturing from the US, now it seems research and technology will follow. You've got to wonder: what will the workforce be doing in the US in ten years time?

The problem might be related to the culture of US. American heroes tend to be involved in big business, entertainment, and sport, not science and technology. The heroes who are involved in tech (such as Bill Gates) are admired not because of their technical skill, but because of their business success. So why would anyone study an incredibly complex and difficult subject, like maths or science, when they could take the easy option and enter business or sport instead?

The point that many people don't realise is that we don't really progress through business and sport, but through science and technology. So what if Microsoft makes a billion dollars, or some sport star scores a record number of "touch downs" (whatever they are - something to do with that crazy game Americans play, apparently!). It just doesn't matter. But if a scientist discovers a cure for cancer, or a technologist designs a computer that's ten times faster, that really makes a difference.

So American culture, and western culture in general, seems to inevitably lead to mediocrity and failure of innovation. This is quite ironic when you consider the dogmatic view that business people are so innovative. I'm afraid it might be too late to change things now. Maybe we are seeing the end of the American "Empire" and the beginning of a new world order.

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