INTRODUCTION : All of us have encountered mathematics while growing up. Some of us have grown to like it, and therefore, enjoy. doing it. Some others have developed a lukewarm relationship with it, and therefore, face it as a mildly unpleasant necessity. And there are some of us who have been intellectually and emotionally bruised in our encounters with mathematics, and therefore, avoid any further interaction with it.
What is so 'special' about mathematics that it induces such a variety of feelings in people? Is it necessary to expose everybody to it? In this unit we shall reflect on these questions.
Firstly, we shall try to show, through some examples and their analysis, how we use mathematics, how unavoidable it is and what joy and beauty it can offer.
Then we shall look at some of its characteristics. It is because of these special features that mathematics is steadily becoming more important in all walks of life.
Finally, we shall see how learning mathematics contributes to our way of thinking.
Throughout the unit our aim is to try and convince you about the need for children to learn mathematics.
Now, a word about the way the unit is presented. As you go through it you will find several examples, ideas, opinions and arguments. We have presented them with a view to provoke you to think about the importance and nature of mathematics. Please question everything you read here, and do not hesitate if you come to entirely different conclusions on the issues raised here. If your reasoning is sound, you could probably convince us about your point of view! Now for the broad objectives of this unit.