Possible points for/against Mathematics is unnecessary for the majority of people.
• Too abstract beyond basic numeracy
• Unnecessary beyond ‘day to day’ calculations (e.g. shopping/bank balance/change)
• Computers/calculators reduce the need for mental maths
• Little significance in a world of e.g. e-mail/Twitter/Facebook
• Necessary for certain careers/access to higher education
• Pragmatism – study/research mathematical concepts when needed
• Aids mental agility (e.g. logic/patterns/Sudoku)
• People should appreciate that mathematics underpins a wide range of human activity and natural processes
