Synopses & Reviews
In November 1619, René Descartes, a twenty-three year old Frenchman, dreamed of a world unified by mathematics, a world in which all intellectual matters could be dealt with rationally by logical computation. Descartes' Dream has now become a new spirit that is transforming the world in unseen ways. In a series of provocative essays, Philip J. Davis and Reuben Hersh compel us to re-evaluate the relationship between humans and the mathematics we've created.
Review
"A passionate plea against the use of formal mathematical reasoning as a method for solving mankind's problems...An antidote to the Cartesian view that mathematical and scientific knowledge will suffice to solve the central problems of human existence." New York Times
Review
"These cogitations can and should be read by every literate person." Ralph P. Boas, Science Books and Films
Review
"Difficult to set aside once you've started reading it...Since Descarte's Dream concerns modern civilization and discusses guidelines for the future, it definitely merits...attention." Providence Sunday Journal