21 - Beyond the Real World: How Mathematical Models Produce Reality

Abstract

There is a growing concern with the need to prepare students to critically examine the ways in which mathematics affects human lives. Taking this as a starting point, I suggest looking at mathematical modelling as a way of creating possible worlds where similar problems are posed and corresponding concepts are used. The exploration and inquiry on mathematical models intends to highlight the power of mathematics in transcending the real world while showing mathematical modelling as a form of reasoning about reality.