The Popularization of Mathematics in Hungary

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Let us start with a quotation from J. I. Ignatyev:

“Nowadays there is hardly anybody who would deny the necessity of the most wide-ranging popularization and diffusion of mathematical knowledge. Basic mathematics should be provided already at a very early age during the process of education and instruction. .… We may expect success only if we use every-day situations, familiar topics as keys to enter the territory of mathematics by the help of problems that are, at the same time, stimulating and full of wit.” This quotation dates back to 1908 but it is in perfect harmony with the discussion document [2]. If it was necessary to popularize mathematics 80 years ago, it is more urgent now, since “there is now an increasing divergence between the advancement of science and the general understanding of the vast majority of human beings”. There are many efforts all over the world, and it is high time to collect and exchange international experiences. In this communication we present Hungarian examples and offer a few comments.

The paper is organized as a loose collection of items. These items reflect the author's experiences during 25 years of efforts for the popularization of mathematics, including the last 8 years when he was a member of the mathematical presidium of the Society for the Diffusion of Sciences, with Hungarian abbreviation TIT. Experiences gathered as a member of the community of mathematics educators are also incorporated.