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From: alan@cae780.UUCP (Alan M. Steinberg)
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: Re: Why take CALC (Blech!)
Message-ID: <1089@cae780.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 8-Jul-85 17:20:25 EDT
Article-I.D.: cae780.1089
Posted: Mon Jul  8 17:20:25 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 13-Jul-85 11:51:33 EDT
References: <199@rruxo.UUCP> <511@ttidcc.UUCP> <734@ihlpg.UUCP> <926@daemon.UUCP>
Reply-To: alan@cae780.UUCP (Alan M. Steinberg)
Organization: CAE Systems, Sunnyvale, CA
Lines: 28

>>  I don't know of ANYONE in the areas inwhich I want to work that EVER use
>>anything more than algebra (if even that).  The justification I have been
>>given by several people (including professors) is that even though I won't
>>ever need calc., simply being able to do it shows a certain sophistication of
>>mind that is hard to detect any other way.
>I've never found good reason to use my calculus or diff eq's either, but I
>have found one beneficial side effect. The logical thinking necessary to
>do those proofs or apply those theorems have a direct effect on my ability
>to write software. The facts -- no, I didn't gain much. The methods -- I think
>that's where I benefitted.

Taking three quarters (or more) of a subject you don't need at all is a waste
of time.  I knew I wasn't going to go into any field where calculus was needed.
Non-scientific programming rarely needs a high degree of pure mathematics.  I
would have benefitted much more by taking more specialized computer classes, or
even some more general ed. classes.  I loved math, until calculus.  It ruined
my college life.  It made as much sense to have to take those classes as it
would for an arts major to take chemistry (you never know when you might have
to make  your own paint) :-) .  

People should make their own decisions about whether or not to take calculus.
There might be some right-to-calc'ers out there, but I'm definitely pro-choice.
-- 
           
                             Alan Steinberg
                             {ucbvax}!decwrl!amdcad!cae780!alan

Helllllp, Mr. Wizarrrrrrd!!!  I don't want to be a programmer anymoooore..."