Mathematics as a priority in a modern society

Abstract

Mathematics is the fundamental instrument to explain, understand, dealing with facts and phenomenons in the world. Its importance justify the development of an analysis of its presence as a main discipline in the curricular grades of all degree levels of the fundamental and the medium teaching, not only in Brazil, but all around the world. This analysis starts from a knowledge theory, from a reflection about the mathematical knowledge and from its contextualization. Mathematics, as all the others knowledge forms, is the result of a natural and cultural environment, that is to say, mythic, religious, social, economical and political. Being education the strategy developed by societies in order to make possible to each individual to reach his creative potential and stimulate and facilitate the common action aiming to live in society, the great challenge is to form mathematicians that are necessary for progress and, at the same time, educating all the population to the creative, productive and integrating life for an ideal of society, without arrogance, intolerance and iniquity.