Children often find it difficult to study mathematics and philosophy. Some people think that these subjects should be optional in the study curriculum. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.

Children often find it difficult to study mathematics and philosophy. Some people think that these subjects should be optional in the study curriculum. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.

Subjects  like mathematics and philosophy are considered as critical for gaining entry into the professional courses. However, some believe that learners should enjoy the liberty opting to not explore these, while others voice dissent against this proposal. This matter needs to be critically analysed.

Many  commentators profess that pursuing these topics help develop logical thinking and quantitative reasoning among young minds, and make them intellectually strong in the long run for later endeavors, and thus, these should remain compulsory. For example, in India, maths plays a crucial role in every  competitive exam, and  those excelling in this domain, earn better opportunities.

Similarly, philosophy aids in fostering dexterity in traits quality required  to make decisions logically  and creatively, helping surmount even steepest of the challenges. That is the reason those in commanding positions in armed forces are made vulnerable to philosophy since this can equip them with qualities required to assess, analyze circumstances and discover remedies, plan strategies using their resourcefulness.  

Nevertheless, some question the former view and argue that those having little inclination for these disciplines, should be spared,  for they might suffer from anxiety, and stress, as they have to carry extra burden to study them. Moreover, such compulsion creates delay in attaining success, and are more prone to exposing learners to ailments such as depression, obesity, diabetes, and so forth. A  survey conducted in the UK states that school goers find calculations difficult, precipitating panic attacks and poor performance during examinations.

To conclude, although teaching math and philosophy is essential to develop mental abilities, those failing in learning these can be given a little leverage by making them an optional component of the curriculum so that academic progress is not hindered and learning becomes enjoyable.