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by stealthmodeclan 2873 days ago
This is based on experience, i used to teach math. (~4000)

And i found it easier to teach math to people whoes father, grandfather, great grandfather all had masters in math.

So, i wonder if mathematical abilities are in genes and gene function changes when you bring a person with such genes into a math intense environment.
3 comments
jacobolus 2873 days ago
From observation, some of the people I know who were sharpest at learning new technical subjects and solving hard technical problems were way behind as undergraduates compared to folks who were not as good at problem solving but had been steeped in a technical culture from a young age, and as a result the newcomers had to work a lot harder to catch up.

“Easy to teach” comes from understanding your vocabulary and references, having seen similar material before, not being confused by severe misconceptions, coming in with similar mindset, etc., not necessarily from being the best at new research (or whatever other real work task).

Someone who is a 4th generation mathematician is going to be completely comfortable talking about mathematical topics in casual conversation, irrespective of any genetic differences.

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full_pint 2873 days ago
Could it just possibly be the fact they've been raised in environment that encourages the thought processes necessary to understand more "abstract" math?

Phrased differently, they've been given somewhat "institutional" tools necessary to accomplish these types of goals?

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Ultimatt 2872 days ago
Not sure why you would even remotely assume genetics over just skills being passed down..? Pre war if you look at careers in census everyone used to do what their parents did. Its because its what they taught you!
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stealthmodeclan 2872 days ago
> Not sure why you would even remotely assume genetics over just skills being passed down..?

There were also orphans who had never seen their parents or grandparents.

When genes are responsible for being lactose tolerate, why is it hard to hypothesise that only some people benefit from being raised in a math intense environment and not others?

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