Why do we need Advanced Mathematics?

Question

Yes, we might need basic mathematics in real life, like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, algebra. But what I'm curious about is why we need to know more about mathematics, even though we're not going to use it in real life.

Don't get me wrong, I love math, but I'm curious. Why?

This is asked as Satisfaction List #2 on 'Please, Feed the Curious', www.feedthecurious.wordpress.com

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Instead of the usual line about applications and potential value, why not say that we need Advanced Mathematics as much as we need Great Literature, Music, Poetry, Theatre and Philosophy?

Mathematics, advanced or not, is a noble part of our heritage, it is one of the great achievements of our Spirit, and it is one of the not-so-many-things that our species can be proud of.

Its necessity should not need to be justified.

Answer 2

Read Brian Greens' The Elegant Universe, and then reconsider the question.

Answer 3

I have a degree in Mathematics and I wondered the exact same thing. My professors explained to me that we are actually taught math backwards. Like we learn that 2 + 2 =4, or the square root of 2 is irrational, etc. when we are very young. Most people really never understand the reasoning behind this, but there is a reason why. The explanations also known as proofs, theorems, corollaries, etc. prove these things as true and are taught in upper level mathematics @ the college level. Another example,Calculus,is really advanced algebra, that builds upon the simple principles you learn in grade school. People use this math for engineering, movement/change, etc. there is even a formulation for the undulations of tides (believe it or not). In general this math (Calculus) we use to solve certain difficult problems, all based on simple principles, just expanded. So advanced math certainly has its place, but most people never have a use for it.
As a side note, with my degree I went all the way to Advanced Calculus 2, and right now I can't tell you half the "crap" I learned. The basics, however, addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. are still firmly embedded in my brain. I guess if you don't use it, you most certainly will forget it.