[Discuss] OT: Do CS grads need calculus?

[bogstad at pobox.com (Bill Bogstad)]

On Tue, Apr 14, 2015 at 2:39 AM, Richard Pieri <richard.pieri at gmail.com> wrote:
> On 4/13/2015 7:36 PM, Bill Bogstad wrote:
>>
>> Exactly and why should Calculus be what everyone takes after their HS
>> Algebra sequence?
>
>
> Algebra teaches you one way to approach solving problems. Calculus
> immediately after algebra teaches you a different way to approach solving
> problems while the first is still fresh in your head. The sequence teaches
> you to think. It teaches you to think outside the box.
>
> On the other hand, if you goal is to be a diploma mill code monkey then
> thinking outside the box is detrimental to your chosen career path and you
> don't need calculus. You probably don't need anything more complex than
> basic arithmetic.

Did you not believe that other branches of mathematics can  teach you how to
think differently?   Take the Monty Hall problem for example.   So counter
intuitive that quite a few people with Ph.Ds in engineering and
mathematics got it
wrong when they saw it.   Perhaps there is something to even basic
probabiliity after all.

I will state it again.  YES, Calculus is good.  It stretches your
mind.  The specific
things it teaches you may or may not be relevant to what you plan to
do.  Other branches
of mathematics also stretch your mind, they may be more relevant.  Is
it really so hard
to accept the theoretical possibility that the above might be true?
Not for all people/but for some.

To all of those who don't believe the above:  Is it possible that this
is some kind of hazing thing?
You had to take Calculus and it was hard, therefore everyone should take it.

Bill Bogstad