POPULAR THINKING
NEW ZEALAND CRITICISED ! "The mental attitude of the averae© New Zealander has dismayed me in airmost every way since mv return from Europe at tho beginning; of this year," -53! said Mr. K. E. Bullen, lecturer in,., mathematics at Auckland University College, addressing the People's University Association yesterday £ii mathsmatieal and popular thinking* In matters of material advancement, he said. New Zealand was probablvahead of England in many ways, but it was much behind in mental Questions. "In New Zealand university col- ' leges, it is possible at present to teach mathematics merely up to what was"" known about 1800, whereas in English, universities there is provision for mod- _ ern mathematics to be taught as well," the speaker proceeded. "Thus, while in England there is a r tendency for mathematical thinking to permeate the populace, the New Zealand public has virtually ho knowledge of the more re- r cent trend, and it forms its judgments. dogmatically and with prejudice. Our university is not to blame for this relatively low. standard. Little can be done to improve things and to help us. out of our mental rut until our public realises the importance of mathematics and ceases to starve our university resources."
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21961, 19 November 1934, Page 7
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202POPULAR THINKING New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21961, 19 November 1934, Page 7
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