This episode continues my sporadic series on the various fields students may choose to study while in college, today discussing a major in mathematics. My guest is Dr. Francis Su, a professor of Mathematics at the prestigious Harvey Mudd College. Francis is a past president of the Mathematical Association of America, has been featured in Wired and The New York Times, and is the author of the award-winning Mathematics for Human Flourishing.

In this podcast we discuss:

How Francis first got interested in studying mathematics

The distinction between mathematics and arithmetic

How math helps us shape a set of virtues and flourish (vs. approaching math as simply skills)

Career opportunities for those with a degree in mathematics

Which character traits indicate you may do well as a math major

The similarities between mathematics and philosophy

The similarities between mathematics and music

Different emphases in the field of mathematics

How studying mathematics has helped Francis in his spiritual life

Challenges mathematics has posed to Francis’ faith

Where he sees ideas in mathematics as consistent with a Christian worldview

Areas in mathematics Christian students may want to consider pursuing

Francis’ general advice for all college students

Resources mentioned during our conversation:

Francis Su, Mathematics for Human Flourishing

Derek Schuurman’s work on ethics, faith, and technology

Francis Su’s website

Francis Su’s article “The Lesson of Grace in Teaching”