Synopses & Reviews
From one of the foremost interpreters for lay readers of the history and meaning of mathematics: a stimulating account of the origins of mathematical thought and the development of numerical theory. It probes the work of Pythagoras, Galileo, Berkeley, Einstein, and others, exploring how "number magic" has influenced religion, philosophy, science, and mathematics
Synopsis
Superb, stimulating account of the origins of mathematical thought and the development of numerical theory from its beginnings in ancient times to the modern era.
Synopsis
Superb, stimulating account of origins of mathematical thought and development of numerical theory. Probes the work of Pythagoras, Galileo, Berkeley, Einstein, and others, exploring influence of "number magic" on religion, philosophy, science, mathematics.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER
1. THE PAST RETURNS
2. A ROYAL MACE
3. FOR THEIR OWN SAKE
4. THE DECISIVE CENTURY
5. A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION
6. WISDOM AS A PROFESSION
7. "NOT MUCH, BUT ENOUGH"
8. ONE OR MANY?
9. A DREAM AND A DOUBT
10. "HALF MAN, HALF MYTH"
11. DISCORD AND HARMONY
12. HARMONY AND DISCORD
13. MYTHOLOGY TRANSFORMED
14. THE COSMOS AS NUMBER
15. HIMSELF MADE IT?
16. INTIMATIONS OF THE INFINITE
17. A MISCARRIAGE OF REASON
18. POLITICS AND GEOMETRY
19. "ANOTHER I"
20. NUMBER DEIFIED
21. PYTHAGORAS IN PURGATORY
22. SAINTS AND HERETICS
23. A TURNING POINT
24. THE SKEPTICAL BISHOP
25. BELIEVER AND DISBELIEVER
26. CHANGING VIEWS
27. RETURN OF THE MASTER