Our Core Beliefs

What we believe about mathematics:
 

• The most worthwhile experiences with mathematics allow everyone to lead a well-lived life -- a life of human flourishing.  What do we mean by "human flourishing"?

  • "Human flourishing refers to a wholeness - of being and doing, of realizing one’s potential and helping others to do the same, of acting with honor and treating others with dignity, of living with integrity even in challenging circumstances.” (in Mathematics for Human Flourishing, 2020, p. 10*)

  • Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program has identified five aspects of human flourishing: happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and close social relationships.

• Mathematics is experienced by individuals in an endless variety of ways.  No one description of "mathematics" can account for all of these individual experiences.

• Mathematics involves coming to better understand ourselves and the world through exploring structures, patterns, and ideas in collaboration with others.  It is a set of practices/habits/dispositions/virtues (ways to be), not just a set of facts/skills/algorithms (things to know). 

• School mathematics has often been limited and limiting – especially for people from historically marginalized groups, but also for many others.  Schools can open mathematics to all through changes in practices and policies.

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What we believe about storytelling and story sharing:
 

• Working to understand the lived experiences of individuals is vital to supporting their well-being.

• Sharing stories and experiences in many formats helps us to better understand each other.

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What we believe about our work:

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• Diverse perspectives are vital in the work of our organization.

• We can help to humanize school mathematics and to broaden societal views of mathematics by sharing individuals’ experiences and collaboratively working toward changes in policies and practices.

 

*The phrase “Mathematics for Human Flourishing” is taken from the book of the same name by Francis Su (2020), in full collaboration with Dr. Su, who continues to participate in this organization and its work.