We hear a lot about the need to develop more Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students.
We usually hear this term from either a government education official or a tech. industry representative, and invariably they both lump all four letters/people together.
But I would suggest that the “M” –Mathematics, is unique and separate from the other three.
Mathematics, at its highest level, is closer to art or philosophy than it is to science or engineering. It is abstract, and exists outside of the physical world – unlike Science, Technology, and Engineering, which exist, always, within it.
But, if indeeed mathematics is so abstract, why is it so valuable?
Hint: The computer you are reading this blog post on right now? It’s fundamentally based on Alan Turing’s theoretical principles, and he was a mathematician above all else.
So be careful lumping STEM together, just because it has a catchy sound.
Develop nuance.
Mathematicians are unique, and deserve their own letter.
M.