Compassion as a mathematical virtue

Speaker: Abbe Herzig (Bard Prison Initiative) Abstract: In the book "Mathematics for Human Flourishing," Francis Su explores 13 human desires that are built through mathematics and the virtues underlying each, ‘[grounding] mathematics in what it means to be a human being and to live a more fully human life” (Su, 2020, p. ix). These desires and virtues include intellectual humility, justice, empathy, humble character, heart of service, and a disposition to affirm others. I will explore the position of compassion in Su’s framework, both theoretically and illustrated through examples from teaching, learning, research, advocacy, and professional life. I hope this discussion will contribute to our awareness of the mathematical spaces where compassion plays a role and will give each of us space to further consider the role of compassion in our mathematical practice. Talk at the AMS Special Session on "Compassion as a Mathematical Practice" at the 2026 Joint Mathematics Meetings in Washington, DC. Browse the rest of the videos from this session in the following playlist:    • AMS Special Session on "Compassion as a Ma...