What is Mathematics?

Thanks to Dean Coder for passing this this on to the BCAMT listserv.
The cargo cult analogy reminds me of some of the pseudo-mathematical language we impose on students rather than saying exactly what we mean (as in the “solve algebraically” question discussed last week).
I also like the game vs. training analogy – perhaps the angry party-goer referred to in another part of the article had math teachers like the coach who has some kids always on the treadmill and never lets them actually play the game (or worse, never even lets them watch it or know that there is one).