Ma. Antonia D.

Mamaril
201378745

Why is Mathematics Part of Liberal Education?

Everything in the universe is made of Math. Numerical and logical thinking play a part in
our daily activities. As a prolific mathematical with a special interest in the field of elliptic curves,
Fidel Nemeno shows how mathematics is beyond the language of science.

Language is a non- instinctive system of communication using symbols possessing

arbitrary meanings and shared by a community. The language of algebra is certainly non-
instinctive. It is not only about numbers, but also about operations and order. Mathematics is a
powerful language with precision and ordered logic structure for both science and technology. It
has its own vocabulary, syntax, conventions, and sentence structure (for example, "x" is a variable
that may represent any real number or any numerical expression).

In his article, Nemeno discussed the goals and format of GE math offerings (Math 1 and
Math 2) in UP. The General Education Program is guided by different domains such as: Arts and
Humanities, Social Science and Philosophy, and Mathematics, Science and Technology that will
make the UP student a well-rounded person and to bridge the different disciplines in
understanding the real world. The GE program provides a necessary cultural and ethical mooring
in this age of globalization. The goal of GE mathematics is to allay the notions of mathematics as
only a collection of formulas and symbols with no connection of our culture. In conclusion, as the
language of science and a tool for understanding natural and social phenomena, mathematics is
about its symbols that allow us to make sense of the world.

Nemeno, F. (2014). Mathematics and the Liberal Arts. pp. 86-97.