Customer Reviews

Mathematics in Western Culture (Galaxy Books)

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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.

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.

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.

Really an excellent book, although it is philosophy of math, it is easy to understand. We could know then, how important the math in promoting the society!

This book gives you an excellent introduction to the role of mathematics in real life without making heavy demands on your comprehension of mathematics. The writing is graceful and often amusing. I expect to hear screaming because the author stresses how much Western civilization advanced because mathematics was important: two ideas many find offensive.