Not sure if my EPQ idea is suitable (given the nature of the qualification).

Hi.

I want to do something mathematical for my EPQ; the problem here is that mathematical topics tend to have definitive answers and thus lack any 'pro/con' evaluation and argument that the EPQ demands.

My initial idea is something along the lines of 'Is pure mathematical research economically justified?' as a lot of people criticise pure mathematics to be useless when compared to the applied section of mathematics (i.e. the applications of maths in physics, economics etc.).

I plan on analysing how the history of mathematical thought inadvertently led to revolutions in the sciences (e.g. how the study of infinite - a pure, 'useless' topic - acted as a catalyst for the development of calculus - which rests on the notion of the infinitely small - arguably one of the most important branches of applied mathematics.).

However, I fear this might turn out to be a list of mathematical topics w/ out any evaluation (after thinking about how interconnected mathematics is with the plethora of other disciplines, and how interlinked mathematics is within itself - i.e. cutting funding for a 'useless' area of mathematics will hamper the development of other areas etc.). Is it wise for me to pursue this?

(my EPQ teacher said this looks fine, but he isn't a maths teacher and thus I don't think he'll be able to see he potential incompatibility here; I'm yet to discuss this with my supervisor, who will - for obvious reasons - be a maths teacher).

Thanks.