Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences (Vintage) English Language Edition

by John Allen Paulos (Author)

146 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0679726012

ISBN-10: 0679726012

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Dozens of examples in innumeracy show us how it affects not only personal economics and travel plans, but explains mischosen mates, inappropriate drug-testing, and the allure of psuedo-science.

Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences (Vintage)

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Product Details

Paperback: 180 pages
Publisher: Vintage; English Language edition (January 16, 1990)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0679726012
ISBN-13: 978-0679726012
Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 5.2 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (146 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #391,416 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1053 in Books > Science & Math > Mathematics > Applied > Probability & Statistics
- #2612 in Books > Textbooks > Science & Mathematics > Mathematics

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Customer Reviews

146

4.1 out of 5 stars

5 star		45%
4 star		26%
3 star		23%
2 star		2%
1 star		4%

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80 of 82 people found the following review helpful

GOOD ANALYSIS, GREAT ANECDOTES ABOUT THE VALUE OF NUMERACY

By Denis Benchimol Minev on April 3, 2004

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

In this short book, Paulos does an outstanding job of pointing out what lack of number intimacy can do to a person. The anecdotes are outstanding, especially the ones on large numbers and on probability. For example, he shows how one is fooled by probability: If we have 23 people in a room, what is the probability that two of them have the same birthday? 50%!! Very conterintuitive.
The author also tries to understand why it is almost considered acceptable for a person to admit that one is "bad with numbers", while it not being ok to be "bad with words". The realm of psychology is not his forte, but the ideas he points to are interesting.
Overall, this is an easy to read book, much easier even to one literate with numbers. I was done with it in 3 hours, and was left wanting more, so much so that I am now buying some more of his works. If they are half as good as Innumeracy, then they will be good enough.

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48 of 50 people found the following review helpful

lifting the shackles of cultural innumeracy

By A. G. Plumb on February 15, 2001

Format: Paperback

I read this book several years ago and believe it to be a classic that would enhance any mathematics study course by making it topical and a part of the reader/student's everyday environment. What mathematics teaching needs is humanising - this book could go some way towards doing this.
This short review follows a review I have just written for 'I Think Therefore I Laugh' - another of Mr Paulos' books. Because I rate 'Innumeracy' so highly I decided to look at Customer Reviews for it, and found some clashed with my own assessment.
Some reviewrs are offended by Mr Paulos' perceived attitude towards the innumerate - believing that he is condescending in an off-putting way. I don't see it that way except inasmuch as we are all innumerate at some level and have to learn to become more numerate - just as a golfer has to learn to read the cut of the green if they want to be a good putter. And numeracy skills will certainly enhance the way we see the world and respond to its mysteries as Mr Paulos shows so cleary.

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104 of 115 people found the following review helpful

interesting book, but lacking focus

By Nadyne Richmond VINE VOICE on March 8, 2004

Format: Paperback

The problem that resulted in this book is far-reaching: the public simply doesn't understand mathematics. Statistics, ranging from a 10%-off sale to the sort found in opinion polls, are unfathomable to the general populace. Probability, especially in the context of gambling, is understood by only a scant handful of people. The list of misunderstood mathematics is nearly endless.
In the first few chapters of the book, Paulos describes various issues that the innumerate (that is, those who don't understand numbers and math) often have issues understanding. He describes the issue to a reasonable level of detail, then derives answers for them. Don't let the use of the word 'derive' scare you off: the answers are readable and readily understandable to a general audience. In some cases, if you're really rusty, you might need to read them a second time to grasp the solution.
Later chapters, however, are not written for the innumerate. They are attempts to convince the reader that mathematical education needs to be improved. I think that everyone agrees that education should be improved, but he offers suggestions that are impractical or nonsensical.
Ultimately, the problem of this book is a lack of focus. Paulos could have written either a book that tackles basic mathematical issues that the general public doesn't understand, or he could have written a book that describes the consequences of innumeracy. He tried to do both, and stuffed both topics into a single slim volume. In doing so, he shortchanges both audiences. The result is a book that is good, but does not fully address the needs of anyone.
If you find yourself uncomfortable with mathematics, pick up a copy of this book and read up to chapter five. If you are comfortable with mathematics and are looking for fodder to prove the point that improving mathematical knowledge at any level is productive, this book will not serve your purpose.

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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

a real classic, yet fun

By A Customer on June 7, 2000

Format: Paperback

After four years of college, I'm packing up and heading into the real world. One of the few books I'm keeping is Innumeracy. It was required reading when I was a freshman and again when I was a senior and I loved it even more the second time around. Few books lead you to an entirely new way of looking at the world and I, for one, would never think a math book would do that. It provided me with a more healthy way to think about chance, science, and even politics. A real classic that is fun to read. Paulos' wit makes the ride enjoyable all the way through.

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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

changed my way of thinking!

By A Customer on September 28, 1999

Format: Paperback

I had to read this for a class and groaned. But it is the only math book I've ever loved. It has attitude, is well-written, and changed my way of thinking about probability and the world. The wonderful examples don't depend on equations or formulas. Great book.

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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

An amusing book about numbers and people

By Johnny Shapiro on February 11, 2001

Format: Paperback

I really enjoyed Innumeracy because of its content and because of the strange attitude the author exhibits to his target reader. While he gives the impression that he wrote this great little summary of basic maths for those with little grasp for numbers, one gets the impression that he has little concern for the feeble confidence of his would be disciples. Personally , I think it makes the book more entertaining as he casually tears pseudoscience apart , but not without pointing out grave concern for mankind given the amount of followers it has. The book itself is a livley course on practical mathematics and it is very interesting throughout. One particular anectode mentioned that i certainly wont forget is our inability to reject the hypothesis of immortality. A must read for both the numerate and inummerate although the latter will have to withstand a fair amount of not so sublte humiliation.

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