Ignorance is Bliss

     Richard Cohen argues in a recent column that we don’t use algebra much and it shouldn’t be a requirement in high school. The idea that it teaches reasoning is a lie propagated by algebra teachers. He cites as proof that none of the math whizzes in his high school could write a readable English sentence, the only true sign of genuine intelligence. After all, since tenth grade he has avoided any form of mathematics like the plague and he has led a “pretty full life.” Baloney, that Mr. Cohen only got half an education is no reason to accept the recalcitrant teenager’s argument that he or she will never need algebra and shouldn’t have to study it.
     In order to hold a decent job in our society one needs at least a high school diploma, precisely because it assures a potential employer that the holder is reasonably literate and numerate. That a student can’t do basic algebra suggests that he or she is seriously deficient in the latter and needs some remedial work. Most of us poor schmucks have to be able to balance a checkbook, make change, buy things on credit, even on occasion estimate proportions. It’s true that these days we can use computers to do most of the drudge work but if you’ve got a crew charging by the hour and workmen are coming and going you need a little algebra to know if you are being cheated. I wonder if Mr. Cohen can figure the tip on his restaurant tab, or does his publisher always take him to lunch?
     It’s interesting that the word “algebra” is derived from the name of the Arab who taught us to use it, and that in order to use it we had to adopt the Arabic numbering system. Before that we were using Roman numerals and had no concept of zero. It is true that some Romans lived “pretty full lives” but I would argue that we’ve come a long way since then, in no small part because algebra was a primary enabler for the scientific revolution that emerged in the sixteenth century. Without algebra Isaac Newton could not have developed his calculus and Mr. Cohen would be writing his columns with a quill pen, that is if he could make a living as a writer. More likely he would be a subsistence farmer.
     Speaking of farmers, show me a farmer who can’t estimate his costs and how much he will get for his crop and I’ll show you a farmer who is headed for bankruptcy. A real estate agent who can’t figure a price per square foot isn’t likely to be very successful. A businessman who can’t do the numbers is at a severe disadvantage to his competitor who can. Numeracy is a fundamental requirement for modern life. Without it one cannot be a nurse, a carpenter, an airline pilot or a computer programmer. You can’t even effectively run a household budget. To be numerate one must master basic algebra. To start out life without it limits one’s prospects severely.
     Now I will heartily agree that to be able to write intelligibly is also a critical skill and I have seen my share of technical whizzes who couldn’t. But I have also seen many competent technicians who could. They have the advantage, hands down. Mr. Cohen is a successful writer but that puts him in a tiny minority. The number of aspiring writers exceeds that even of aspiring actors. Most of us need a day job. For that we need algebra, even if Mr. Cohen doesn’t.