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A Manifesto for Mathematics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2016

Robert Barbour
Robert Barbour*
Affiliation:
10 Valley View, Bewdley DY12 2JX
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Extract

My theme is a Manifesto for Mathematics. What is the nature of a manifesto? It is a statement of intent; a statement of principles. It looks at the current position and sees what needs to be done. The best manifestos do not make detailed promises about what will be done and when in an exact form … for indeed circumstances change. However the principles should be enunciated clearly enough to be aware of what directions will be set. Manifestos are also compromises. In Wales, I am trying to get groups together to agree a way forward to put to the Welsh Assembly Government for mathematics. I am sure that my more idiosyncratic views will be well hidden. However this morning no such constraints face me, and my manifesto will be very much a personal statement of what I see to be the current position and the correct way forward. Please do not see this as an official view!

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Articles
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The Mathematical Gazette , Volume 93 , Issue 528 , November 2009, pp. 385 - 397
Copyright
Copyright © The Mathematical Association 2009

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