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Loading... A Experiência Matemática (original 1981; edition 1995)by Philip J. Davis (Author), Reuben Hersh (Author)Wow, from Plato to Polya, this venerable work looks very very much like it is worth reading, taking notes, and reading again just for the pleasure of it, once I actually have time to enjoy all of the citations (like the Myth of Euclid?! and Chinese mathematics!! -cool!!!). I so enjoy the study of teaching mathematics, pity I don't enjoy the students nearly as much, the vast majority of the time (ok, nearly all of the time, but I do enjoy planning my lessons!). And let us not forget Pacioli, of double-entry book keeping fame, no? Wow, from Plato to Polya, this venerable work looks very very much like it is worth reading, taking notes, and reading again just for the pleasure of it, once I actually have time to enjoy all of the citations (like the Myth of Euclid?! and Chinese mathematics!! -cool!!!). I so enjoy the study of teaching mathematics, pity I don't enjoy the students nearly as much, the vast majority of the time (ok, nearly all of the time, but I do enjoy planning my lessons!). And let us not forget Pacioli, of double-entry book keeping fame, no? This is the portuguese translation of The Mathematical Experience. An interesting attempt to convey the nature and importance of Mathematics to the lay reader, the text digresses through a variety of topics in a clear and, at times, inspired prose. It is not a mathematical text though, and apart from Chapter 5 and some examples spread through Chapters 4 and 6, not much mathematical culture is required from the reader, although someone lacking a mathematical education at the level of the first two years at the University will probably miss the better parts of the arguments and is likely not to make much sense of the rest. In spite of some odd choices (such as the emphasis in the example of Non-standard Analysis, a clearly marginal subject in present day mathematics) this is a book worth reading that tries to portrait the mathematical activity as part of the large human effort to understand and make sense of ourselves and the world. A truly enjoyable read. The author tries to focus on the "experience" of mathematics. However, the depth and breath of the topic makes this an unsurmountable task. To that end, a user looking for an indepth "mathematical experience" is better of reading biographies on various other mathematicians. That being said, this is a perfect weekend read. The topics are lucidly explained. The die cut illustrations are brilliant and in of themselves could be the sole reason for possesing this book. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)510Natural sciences and mathematics Mathematics General MathematicsLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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