A Christian Perspective for a First Course in Calculus

1
A Christian Perspective for a First Course in
Calculus

• Darrell E. Allgaier, Ph.D.
• Grove City College

2
OVERVIEW

• Motivation
• Presuppositions
• Why Study Mathematics?
• How then Should Calculus Be Taught?
• Getting off on the Right Foot
• Be a Tour Guide

3
Motivation

• Hard Times for Mathematics
• Perceived as Boring by Most Parents
• Lagging on International Exams
• Graduate Enrollment Non-native
• Non-Math Majors in Calc thru Diff Eq
• Christians Have Advantage
• Biblical Approach

4
Presuppositions

• Scripture
• Inerrant
• Infallible
• Authoritative
• Gods Thoughts and Ways
• Not Ours
• Must Be Informed by Scripture
• All to the Glory of God

5
Why Study Mathematics?

• Cultural Mandate (Gen 128)
• Subdue the Earth
• Dominion Over Every Living Thing
• John Calvin
• Truth Revealed in General and Special Rev
• All Truth Is from God
• Intellectual Fields Necessary for Gods Image
• Think Gods Thoughts after Him

6
How then Should Calculus Be Taught?

• In Accord with Scripture
• As Image Bearers of God
• In Obedience to Cultural Mandate
• For Gods Glory
• In Light of Gifts and Callings
• In Historical Context
• Orderly
• With Wisdom in Mind

7
Getting off on the Right Foot

• Why are you here?
• Glorify God
• Calling
• What is calculus?
• Function
• Limit
• Continuity
• Derivative
• Integral

8
Getting off on the Right Foot

• When, where, and why calculus?
• Historical Significance
• Newton/LeibnizFTC
• Four Basic Problems
• What good is calculus?
• FTC profound thought from God
• Changed Civilization

9
Be a Tour Guide

• Not Exotic LandsExotic Ideas
• Show Love for Subject and Creator
• Why does this work this way?

10
SOLI DEO GLORIA