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Mathematics Educators

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    $\begingroup$ In the U.S. we forgot the spirit of mathematics as we embraced the race toward solution-finding in the mid-1900's (think NASA and military-supported efforts based on those branches' interests). Do you have evidence for this? This seems extremely implausible to me. $\endgroup$
    – user507
    Commented May 4, 2019 at 14:57
  • $\begingroup$ @Ben Crowell: Indeed, as I suspect most anyone here from the U.S. is aware, the NASA era (late 1950s to mid 1970s) was when logic and rigor were at their highest point in U.S. school mathematics, at least in spirit (in practice, of course, the result was primarily an increase in formalism). For cheyne, see my answer to Where can I find primary sources from the New Math movement in the 60s? for some relevant literature. $\endgroup$
    – Dave L Renfro
    Commented May 4, 2019 at 15:13
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    $\begingroup$ @BenCrowell Here is my evidence: we went from 0-1 calculus courses before the early to mid 1900’s and now math majors in undergrad have 3-5 calculus courses in their major. Calculus is not the theory of formal mathematics, it’s the mathematics of “calculating stuff”. Going back into the 1500-1700’s in the history of calculus, when you introduce this topic as the bulk of your math major you are prioritizing calculations over logic and mathematical thought. I’m not really an expert on this, so I’m happy for someone to tell me this isn’t why that change occurred without suggesting a book. $\endgroup$
    – cheyne
    Commented May 5, 2019 at 13:06