The Skies Are Falling: Mathematics for Non-Mathematicians

Abstract

Mathematical education, both mass education, and university education of non-mathematicians, are in an abominable state, and rapidly degrading. We argue that the instruction of non-mathematicians should be dramatically reformed both as substance and style. With traditional approach, such a transformation would take decades, with unclear results. But we do not have this time. The advent of Computer Algebra Systems gives the mathematics community a chance to reverse the trend. We should make a serious attempt to seize this opportunity. In the present paper we describe one such project of reform implemented at the St Petersburg State University.