Essays in Humanistic Mathematics (M a a Notes) [Paperback]

Alvin M. White (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1993 | ISBN-10: 0883850893 | ISBN-13: 978-0883850893

Collects 22 essays that illustrate and define humanistic mathematics a movement which challenges dogmatic teaching styles and demands creativity from both teacher and student. The essays explore those things that math and the teaching of math share with the fields of literature, art, and music, inc

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Mathematical Assn of Amer (October 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883850893
• ISBN-13: 978-0883850893
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,622,921 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A new flavor of mathematics, June 29, 2000

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Essays in Humanistic Mathematics (M a a Notes) (Paperback)

Honesty forces me to begin this review by clearly stating that I detest the phrase, "humanistic mathematics." To me, mathematics is one of the purest, cleanest (dare I say honest), methods of thought ever devised, and is not more or less humanistic than any other method. (Un)fortunately, it is also the least forgiving and therefore one of the most difficult to grasp. Once proven, a mathematical result stands forever, and the slightest error mixed in with thousands of correct steps can render the results useless. Many regimes and interest groups, dating back to ancient Greece, have attempted to mold ideas into a politically correct form, and have had some success in many areas. However, all historical attempts to do so with mathematics appear ridiculous. The current movement in humanistic mathematics is very well intended, but there is the possibility that it too will fall into the chasm of politically correct foolishness. Having vented my wrath, it is about time that the book was addressed.
To understand what is being discussed, here is some of the material that appears on the back cover.

. . . a presentation of mathematics as an intellectual discipline with a human perspective and a history that matters.
. . .Humanistic mathematics carries with it an awareness of and a sensitivity to those things mathematics shares with other humanities.

The phrase "intellectual discipline with a human perspective" is internally contradictory. The current definition of the word intellectual implies that it is created by humans. It is therefore an implied position that mathematics will be presented in a manner that is less rigorous and therefore much more forgiving. The second statement is an admirable goal, and one can only hope that the other humanities will also impart an awareness and a sensitivity to the things that those disciplines share with mathematics. Many teachers of mathematics will argue that they have been humanistic mathematicians throughout their careers.
Despite this enormous stack of negative reviewer preconditions, I enjoyed the book. Granted, some of the essays contain a grain of foolishness, but the majority presented solid material. The ideas described here could be used to impart a greater appreciation for the tremendous creativity that mathematicians possess. A large number of points of argument are found, in many cases due to the ambiguity of the statements. For example, what does it mean to teach mathematics in a humane way? Other points are obvious, such as "Mathematics has mystery and can convey awe" (terror). And then some are understated, "Mathematics is allied with and has contributed mightily to philosophy," as philosophy can be replaced by many other words. As an example, it is nearly impossible to find a research paper in psychology that does not include a statistical test.
Whether you agree or disagree with the authors, the reading of this material will force you to reexamine your approach to math. It you find yourself in need of some new mathematical flavoring in your classes, this book could serve as your spice rack.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.