John Allen Paulos passionately explains in a personal essay the probabilistic nature of life. He believes that too often people are innumerate and have many misconceptions about math. He enumerates these fallacies in the preface (Paulos, xii,xiv):
1. Math is nothing more than computation;
2. Math is a completely hierarchical subject;
3. Storytelling is not effective as an educational tool in mathematics;
4. Mathematics is only for a few;
5. Math numbs or limits our freedom.
Since Paulos studied philosophy as an undergrad and mathematics in graduate school, he respectfully acknowledges the duality of the two disciplines. Throughout the book he makes comparisons such as "The romantics believe that a concern with numbers numbs us to the big questions of grandeur of sunsets and waterfalls" (Paulos, 179).
Paulos provides real world examples of innumeracy in subjects like stock scams, choice of spouse, newspaper psychics, diet, medical claims, lottery, astrology, drug testing, insurance and law. At times the reader must patiently muster through detailed proofs. But, don't worry as Paulos promises "there won't be a test" (Paulos, xiv). Be patient, just rest and relax while reading "Innumeracy" then will you thoroughly enjoy it. If you are among the innumerate then simply read through the math formulas without a concern for grasping the conceptual depth. John Allen Paulos is flexing his numerate muscles giving Innumeracy greater strength.
The author's aim is to make each of us less intimidated by the numbers. He begins by familiarizing the reader with the basis of counting: how many people are in the US; how many people in the US are under 18, how many die each year; how many cigarettes are smoked each year; and how many words are there in a good sized novel?
Many of us believe incorrectly in the magic of coincidences. However, there are no coincidences instead statistical probabilities. For example in a room of 23 random people - 2 or more will have the same birthday. Another example is the old adage "everything comes in threes" (Paulos, 69). Again this is just statistical probability since if you wait long enough things will come in sets of three. Another misconception is the "why me?" attitude toward misfortunes. Bad things happen periodically, the probability is that they're going to happen to somebody, why not you?
"The tendency to attribute meaning to phenomena governed only by chance is ubiquitous" (Paulos, 114). The fruitful example the author uses to illustrate this concept is regression to the mean. Regression to the mean is the tendency for an extreme value of random quantity followed by a value closer to the mean. In this case he provides the example of very intelligent people who may have intelligent offspring, yet generally will be more likely to be less intelligent than their parents.
John Allen Paulos has an affinity to number ID over name as a means of identification since no two people can have the same ID number. However, he is appalled by the use of an excessive number of digits. In being numerate one would know that an identification number with 9 digits will have 109 (one billion) possible different numbers.
Innumeracy covers relative risk, which is a significantly large issue for Public Health and the future of health care. This interesting passage in the book proposes that a logarithmic safety index be used. In this way we would be measuring the relative safety against the relative danger adding on the likelihood of the endeavor.
Innumeracy is not a romantic beach read. Its meager attempt to be sexy is the argument over the "bell-curve" where "the urge to average can be seductive" (Paulos, 169). The appeal of this book comes from the nature of the author's experience in having studied philosophy, literature and mathematics. Paulos is a believer in the human condition, specifically the tendency to want it all. Numeracy will help people understand that there are going to be trade-offs. A romantic at heart he adamantly opposes the view that mathematics is esoteric and those that study numbers are "coldly rational". The author's desire is to stimulate numeracy and enhance the appreciation of the probabilistic nature of life. John Allen Paulos is a best selling author, public speaker, columnist for [...] and Guardian and a professor of math at Temple. He offers his web address and welcomes feedback [...]
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Frequently bought together
- +
- +
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
Simeon Stylites
A Disappointed Hope
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 20, 2020John
Informative book, very easy to read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on June 28, 2020Amazon Customer
Read this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 26, 2021
