This article discusses the insights of director Vicki Abeles and mathematician Ismar Volic, emphasizing the significance of mathematical literacy in preserving democracy and addressing societal challenges.
**Math's Role in Democracy: A Conversation on Its Importance**
**Math's Role in Democracy: A Conversation on Its Importance**
A look into how mathematics intersects with civil rights and democracy in Vicki Abeles' documentary "Counted Out."
In a world where data increasingly influences civic matters, a new documentary titled "Counted Out" highlights the critical role of mathematics in civil rights and democracy. Directed by Vicki Abeles, who has a background as a Wall Street lawyer, the film explores the ramifications of mathematical understanding, or the lack thereof, on societal challenges such as healthcare, climate change, and electoral processes.
Abeles was motivated to create the film due to observations of math anxiety among students, particularly her own daughter, as well as adults around her. This prompted her to question the fear surrounding mathematics and how it might impact societal progress. She asserts, “When we limit access to the power of math to a select few, we limit our progress as a society.”
The documentary features commentary from various mathematicians, including Ismar Volic, a Wellesley College professor and founder of the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy. Dr. Volic, who experienced the breakdown of democracy in his native Bosnia-Herzegovina, draws parallels to current trends in the U.S. and beyond. His work focuses on understanding the mathematical foundations of democratic systems, underscoring that democracy itself has a mathematical structure crucial for its integrity.
Through engaging discussions, the film emphasizes that empowering citizens with mathematical knowledge is fundamental for a functioning democracy and that fostering a positive relationship with numbers can lead to more informed decision-making in public life. “Understanding the infrastructure of democracy is very much mathematical,” Volic stresses, painting a broader picture of how numerical literacy can prevent democracy’s collapse.
Abeles was motivated to create the film due to observations of math anxiety among students, particularly her own daughter, as well as adults around her. This prompted her to question the fear surrounding mathematics and how it might impact societal progress. She asserts, “When we limit access to the power of math to a select few, we limit our progress as a society.”
The documentary features commentary from various mathematicians, including Ismar Volic, a Wellesley College professor and founder of the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy. Dr. Volic, who experienced the breakdown of democracy in his native Bosnia-Herzegovina, draws parallels to current trends in the U.S. and beyond. His work focuses on understanding the mathematical foundations of democratic systems, underscoring that democracy itself has a mathematical structure crucial for its integrity.
Through engaging discussions, the film emphasizes that empowering citizens with mathematical knowledge is fundamental for a functioning democracy and that fostering a positive relationship with numbers can lead to more informed decision-making in public life. “Understanding the infrastructure of democracy is very much mathematical,” Volic stresses, painting a broader picture of how numerical literacy can prevent democracy’s collapse.
