LARAMIE, Wyo., Sept. 21 -- The University of Wyoming issued the following news release:

People often see math as just a set of skills -- such as doing arithmetic or factoring a quadratic -- rather than as an opening to joy and wonder.

Yet, according to Francis Su, math is a deeply human enterprise that can meet basic human longings, such as for beauty and truth, and can build virtues that include persistence, creativity and an expectation of enchantment. Su asserts that such virtues are more important than skills, especially in an artificial intelligence era.

Su, the Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, will address these topics in the H.T. Person Homecoming Lecture, titled "Mathematics for Human Flourish...