[quote=mark][quote=Bostonian]
I had previously read this essay and do not agree with it. Most people who are very good at math are not going to be mathematicians but will use it as a tool. Calculus is a useful tool, and if a student takes calculus earlier, he will be able to take a "real" physics or economics course earlier. I have bought an AOPS algebra book, and if my son uses other AOPS books, including the one on calculus, that should alleviate the problem of alleged shallowness.
Having fallen into it myself, I definitely do agree with it and am working to avoid it with my kids. That said, my intent there was not to criticize you, but just to call attention to a different point of view.
I disagree about calculus in general, but agree that maths as taught in schools puts too much emphasis on superficial stuff.
But this situation isn't calculus's fault. Calculus is a beautiful mathematical achievement, and the fact that schools dumb it down is an argument for better teaching and better schools that actually present challenging material to capable students.
Yeah, pipe dream. I know.
I wouldn't take the name of the Calculus Trap as meaning any disrespect for calculus as a subject.
