A high school student with an interest in math asks whether he's obligated on utilitarian grounds to become a doctor.
The commenters pretty much say that he isn't, but now I'm wondering-- if you go into reasonably pure math, what areas or specific problems would be most likely to contribute the most towards saving lives?
Reminds me of this: http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/71874/can-i-use-my-powers-for-good
A high school student with an interest in math asks whether he's obligated on utilitarian grounds to become a doctor.
The commenters pretty much say that he isn't, but now I'm wondering-- if you go into reasonably pure math, what areas or specific problems would be most likely to contribute the most towards saving lives?