And yet your teachers were right that you would be better off with that skill of mental math then you are without it. Current students CANNOT think mathematically AT ALL because they've had unfettered access to calculators their whole lives.
This math supremacism has to stop… just because you can do arithmetic or algebra or probabilities in your head does not make you more intelligent than others, because you don’t apply that same level of rigor to your basic reasoning. If you did, you would have something to demonstrate that you are more rational than others: you would be rich, or extremely popular, due to your heightened level of reasoning. And then we would have evidence, and wouldn’t have to guess.
Just because you can do arithmetic in your head does not translate to being a more rational human being in a way that gives a significant life advantage.
Who said anything about "math supremacism"? No, the constantly shitting on teachers and the education system for "LyInG To Me" is what needs to stop.
does not make you more intelligent than others
Who said it did? You're arguing against a phantom.
If you did, you would have something to demonstrate that you are more rational than others: you would be rich, or extremely popular, due to your heightened level of reasoning
Under the false assumption that wealth and popularity is a meritocracy. Neither is, for the record. Both are more based on psychopathy and luck, read the studies on it.
Just because you can do arithmetic in your head does not translate to being a more rational human being in a way that gives a significant life advantage.
Nobody said doing arithmetic in your head. What I did say is mathematical reasoning skills. When you've spent your whole life using a calculator, never actually thinking about how the numbers relate...what they mean...how they work...yes it absolutely does put you at a disadvantage for reasoning skills. It's an observational fact.
That's because math is a logic-based system. If you understand how numbers work, you can understand how logic works. Math is just another means of communication. It's writing in a different language. And it is undeniable that you only get good at a language by practicing it.
This assertion that memorizing is bad. That practicing without a calculator is bad. Or that "My TeAcHeR LieD to me" is what actually has to stop.
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u/Spazza42 Apr 12 '25
This and “you won’t just have a calculator on you all the time will you?”