Agree/disagree: In math class, students should be taught both sides of the controversy?

Question

I.e.:

Two plus two equals four
AND
Two plus two is not equal to four

Answer 1

I go for 2 + 2 = 4.

Answer 2

I agree with the sentiment, but this really doesn't help your argument against teaching ID in public schools. In mathematics, the axioms are already decided upon, a concensus has already been reached, and any controversy would be far over the heads of most of the students. In biology, the axioms are much more accessible and the controversy is much larger.

A better question to ask would be, why do Christians harp about evolution and abiogenesis so much more than other science subjects?

Answer 3

in practical terms 2+2 equals 4 there is no controversy

however in base 3, 2+2=11 so an astute teacher could have a little fun

a really good teacher could also as a good mathematical logician versed in the law of noncontradicitons that something cannot be both true and untrue in the same sense

if you said, could a teacher discuss the issue... fine... since you said teach... it sounds like leading down a path of irrationality... or perhaps an object lesson in good logic by a good teacher

Answer 4

I really don't see how two plus two doesn't equal four. Of course it does. What point are you trying to make here?

Answer 5

I thought you were going to bring up the controversy they really did have in Nebraska when the legislature voted Pi to be equal to 3.0

Answer 6

It's not just in math. Teachers basicaly teach from books. Rarely do they ask for students to engage in discussing controversial subect matter. Especially so if the matters are political, religious, racial in nature.

Answer 7

If you are talking about absolute numbers then 2+2=4. It really depends on what you are talking about.