The Art of the Intelligible: An Elementary Survey of Mathematics in its Conceptual Development (The Western Ontario Series in Philosophy of Science) [Hardcover]

J. Bell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0792359720 | ISBN-13: 978-0792359722 | Publication Date: October 31, 1999 | Edition: 1

A compact survey, at the elementary level, of some of the most important concepts of mathematics. Attention is paid to their technical features, historical development and broader philosophical significance. Each of the various branches of mathematics is discussed separately, but their interdependence is emphasised throughout. Certain topics - such as Greek mathematics, abstract algebra, set theory, geometry and the philosophy of mathematics - are discussed in detail. Appendices outline from scratch the proofs of two of the most celebrated limitative results of mathematics: the insolubility of the problem of doubling the cube and trisecting an arbitrary angle, and the Gödel incompleteness theorems. Additional appendices contain brief accounts of smooth infinitesimal analysis - a new approach to the use of infinitesimals in the calculus - and of the philosophical thought of the great 20th century mathematician Hermann Weyl. Readership: Students and teachers of mathematics, science and philosophy. The greater part of the book can be read and enjoyed by anyone possessing a good high school mathematics background.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`... impressively broad and far-ranging... written in an accessible and engaging style... The appendix on Gödel's theorems...is clear and easy to follow... a clear and straightforward survey of the conceptual development of mathematics. It is a wonderful addition to the literature...provides an accessible introduction to the subject matter. I recommend it to anyone who has an interest in mathematics and its development.' Philosophia Mathematica, 8:3 (2000)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 260 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (October 31, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792359720
• ISBN-13: 978-0792359722
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,175,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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