Before World War II, Americans had no particular love nor respect for mathematics because mathematicians weren’t focused on “practical” endeavours. But instead of asserting its usefulness in science like his peers, Cassius Jackson Keyser went the opposite direction. He argued that mathematics was a humanist pursuit, integral to the development of civilisation in man. For Keyser, mathematics instilled civilised ideals within people and should be pursued to better oneself and our society. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here