Mathematics in Western Culture (Galaxy Books) [Paperback]

Morris Kline (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 019500714X | ISBN-13: 978-0195007145 | Publication Date: December 31, 1964

This book gives a remarkably fine account of the influences mathematics has exerted on the development of philosophy, the physical sciences, religion, and the arts in Western life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Kline] is unfalteringly clear in explaining mathematical ideas; he is learned but not pedantic; he has historical discernment, a sympathetic social outlook and a nice sense of fun and irony.... The beauty and fascination and rare excellence of mathematics emerge from his story. It is an exciting, provocative book."--Scientific American

"Still the best textbook for the history and philosophy of mathematics for undergraduate liberal arts students. Especially good for the age of the Scientific Revulution."--Janet A. Fitzgerald, Molloy College, NY

About the Author

Morris Kline is Professor Emeritus at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 31, 1964)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019500714X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195007145
• Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 8.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #199,041 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening, Interesting and Accessible to All, May 19, 2000

By 

Patrick K Notz (West Lafayette, Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mathematics in Western Culture (Galaxy Books) (Paperback)

I agree with the above review and would simply like to add my own thoughts. The book illustrates the fascinating way in which mathematics, society, religion, politics and of course physics have affected each other (it goes both ways!) through out the ages. Furthermore, the author nicely illustrates the processes by which people think and how those processes have also changed through the ages (i.e., The Age of Reason versus The Renisance). This book left me with real insights as to the nature and limitations of the current state of mathematics and physics. Things are not as they seem, my friend! Lastly, the author displays an appreciation for the humor and irony of the history which makes this book hard to put down at times. I never thought a math/history book could be a "page turner"... Read it.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A de-mystification of mathematics., September 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Mathematics in Western Culture (Galaxy Books) (Paperback)

In most mathematics classes, students are presented with a completed edifice, and given a floor plan to help them navigate the halls. While this approach works for many people, others need a little more basic information. In this book, Morris Kline builds the building, starting with the mud and straw of the bricks.

"Mathematics in Western Culture" shows that the history of mathematics is one of hundreds of years of people sitting in the sand, drawing shapes and lines, scratching their heads, and trying to figure things out. This is not necessarily Dr. Kline's intention for the book, but this is certainly one of the many messages to be derived from it.

A fascinating, exciting book which makes mathematics more understandable and accessible.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent math overview, October 11, 2000

By 

Daniel Hunter "dfhny" (New York, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mathematics in Western Culture Pb (Penguin Press Science) (Paperback)

Kline's work is a breath of fresh air and an electric shock all in one. His handling of both the history of math and the math itself intertwine so well that you finish the work actually "knowing" for sure what you thought you knew in high school or college math classes. Having read this book one could argue that Kepler was the greatest scienctific mind ever, and actually be able to defend the thesis. A must read.