Mission
The Institute for Mathematics and Democracy is dedicated to education, research, and outreach in mathematics and politics with the goal of empowering all citizens to become informed participants and impartial agents of change in the democratic process.
Goals
Activities of the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy are designed with the objective of providing all individuals with the means to
- identify political matters that can be tackled with mathematical tools
- demand that mathematical rigor and transparency be introduced into politics whenever possible
- recognize when mathematics is being misused for political gain
- enact change in the political system based on sound mathematical evidence
What we do
The Institute for Mathematics and Democracy was founded in 2019. Its purpose is to promote a deeper understanding of mathematics as a pivotal force in creating a democracy where people make informed political decisions and enact change based on objective and rigorous quantitative criteria.
Academics, scholars, students, and activists affiliated with the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy are gathered around the notion that mathematics is integral to democracy. They believe that meaningful political change requires not only basic quantitative literacy but also an understanding of the mathematics behind socio-economic and political practices.
Research
IMD supports research at the intersection of mathematics and democracy, including the role of mathematics in politics and the interplay of mathematics and social justice. We employ cutting-edge methods and tackle current issues with the hope that our research will illuminate the path toward a more quantitatively literate and equitable society.
Education
IMD promotes education that cultivates political numeracy, emphasizing both political quantitative literacy and mathematical foundations of democratic processes. Our goal is to bring the interplay of mathematics and democracy into the elementary school, high school, and college curriculum as an integral part of an effective civics education.
Outreach
IMD engages in outreach with the conviction that only a unified collaborative effort can have a true impact on political quantitative literacy. We bring the tools and lessons of political numeracy to schools, institutions, and the community at large. We also partner with individuals and organizations whose mission is aligned with ours.
