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I am curious, but is proficiency in mathematics and abstract/theoretical thinking something that one is either born with or something one can be taught to become an expert in? I often wonder because it seems like many people either really struggle with these things or they just get it really quickly. Any thoughts?
I'd either stick with my English degree, as it was interesting and fun to obtain and has been pertinent to everything I've done professionally since I graduated, across several disparate fields, or else do sociology just because it interests me.
Philosophy with a minor (or close to it) in Mathematics.
Do minors really even matter? I was thinking of taking a minor but realized it would be another 18 months of school. Might as well just go to grad school if you want to spend that much extra time.
Why would it not matter? You mean does it matter to employers? Your minor should be selected ahead of time so you won't need to spend any additional time in school.
A double major is of course more ideal. A double major of Philosophy and Mathematics is doable in 4-years, but some combos would take 5-years.
I am curious, but is proficiency in mathematics and abstract/theoretical thinking something that one is either born with or something one can be taught to become an expert in? I often wonder because it seems like many people either really struggle with these things or they just get it really quickly. Any thoughts?
I think its pretty obvious that there is a genetic component, but you can also teach someone to a decent level as well. Most jobs don't require genius level abilities though.
Usually the people that struggle with it are people that just had bad teachers. Our society is very accepting of the whole "I'm bad at math" line though, so I think many people never bother actually trying once they believe they are one of those people that is "bad at math".
I think if you got the aptitude you should major in statistics. Not only can you get actuarial jobs but other financial firms like investment banks, management consultancies are looking for quants to help with research & development of models/forecasting.
I've always felt like I just can't "get" math. I was a low C algebra student, and geo. and trig. seemed to be way over my head. My last college math class was Math for the Humanities, I got a B, it was pretty easy.
Having the right teacher might be the key? It's hard to imagine I can ever be a strong math student. But in high school I was a horrible english student. I had excellent college instructors. I was amazed how much my skills improved just two yrs. removed from HS. I can't write like that now. I didn't use it, and I lost it.
Right exactly why a degree like Philosophy (with an emphasis in formal philosophy) is great choice.
It is the abstract reasoning and analysis that can't easily be automated. Applied math is for people that are not imaginative enough to do pure mathematics, it is the latter that actually develop the techniques/theories used by the former.
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. I didn't use it, and I lost it.
