Mathematics Today Twelve Informal Essays

Mathematics Today Twelve Informal Essays

Author: L.A. Steen

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 365

ISBN-13: 146139435X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The objective of the present book of essays is to convey to the intelligent nonmathematician something of the nature, development, and use of mathe matical concepts, particularly those that have found application in current scientific research. The idea of assembling such a volume goes back at least to 1974, when it was discussed by the then-newly-formed Joint Projects Committee for Mathematics (JPCM) of the American Mathematical Soci ety, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Society for Indus trial and Applied Mathematics. Currently, the nine members of the JPCM are Saunders Mac Lane (Chairman) of the University of Chicago, Frederick J. Almgren, Jr. of Princeton University, Richard D. Anderson of Louisiana State University, George E. Carrier of Harvard University, Hirsh G. Cohen ofthe International Business Machines Corporation, Richard C. DiPrima of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Robion C. Kirby of the University of California at Berkeley, William H. Kruskal of the University of Chicago, and George D. Mostow of Yale University. The JPCM decided to make production of this volume its first major proj ect and requested the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences (CBMS), of which its three sponsoring societies are all member organiza tions, to approach the National Science Foundation on its behalffor support of the undertaking. A proposal submitted by the C BMS in December 1974 and in revised form in July 1975 was granted by the Foundation in May 1976, and work on assembling the volume got under way.


Book Synopsis Mathematics Today Twelve Informal Essays by : L.A. Steen

Download or read book Mathematics Today Twelve Informal Essays written by L.A. Steen and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 365 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The objective of the present book of essays is to convey to the intelligent nonmathematician something of the nature, development, and use of mathe matical concepts, particularly those that have found application in current scientific research. The idea of assembling such a volume goes back at least to 1974, when it was discussed by the then-newly-formed Joint Projects Committee for Mathematics (JPCM) of the American Mathematical Soci ety, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Society for Indus trial and Applied Mathematics. Currently, the nine members of the JPCM are Saunders Mac Lane (Chairman) of the University of Chicago, Frederick J. Almgren, Jr. of Princeton University, Richard D. Anderson of Louisiana State University, George E. Carrier of Harvard University, Hirsh G. Cohen ofthe International Business Machines Corporation, Richard C. DiPrima of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Robion C. Kirby of the University of California at Berkeley, William H. Kruskal of the University of Chicago, and George D. Mostow of Yale University. The JPCM decided to make production of this volume its first major proj ect and requested the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences (CBMS), of which its three sponsoring societies are all member organiza tions, to approach the National Science Foundation on its behalffor support of the undertaking. A proposal submitted by the C BMS in December 1974 and in revised form in July 1975 was granted by the Foundation in May 1976, and work on assembling the volume got under way.


Natural Sciences and Human Thought

Natural Sciences and Human Thought

Author: Robert Zwilling

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 3642786855

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Leaving aside for once all utilitarian considerations, this book attempts to demonstrate the role and influence of the natural sciences in the development of human thought and in shaping the way in which we perceive the world. This seems to be particularly necessary in the present day and age, in view of the fact that a large section of the public is scarcely aware of the great cultural contribution that the natural sciences make towards moulding our conception of the world and scarcely acknowledges their function in helping us to find our bearings in a world that is becoming increasingly complex.


Book Synopsis Natural Sciences and Human Thought by : Robert Zwilling

Download or read book Natural Sciences and Human Thought written by Robert Zwilling and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Leaving aside for once all utilitarian considerations, this book attempts to demonstrate the role and influence of the natural sciences in the development of human thought and in shaping the way in which we perceive the world. This seems to be particularly necessary in the present day and age, in view of the fact that a large section of the public is scarcely aware of the great cultural contribution that the natural sciences make towards moulding our conception of the world and scarcely acknowledges their function in helping us to find our bearings in a world that is becoming increasingly complex.


Paradoxical Life

Paradoxical Life

Author: Andreas Wagner

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2009-09-01

Total Pages: 271

ISBN-13: 0300156375

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

What can a fingernail tell us about the mysteries of creation? In one sense, a nail is merely a hunk of mute matter, yet in another, it's an information superhighway quite literally at our fingertips. Every moment, streams of molecular signals direct our cells to move, flatten, swell, shrink, divide, or die. Andreas Wagner's ambitious new book explores this hidden web of unimaginably complex interactions in every living being. In the process, he unveils a host of paradoxes underpinning our understanding of modern biology, contradictions he considers gatekeepers at the frontiers of knowledge. Though we tend to think of concepts in such mutually exclusive pairs as mind-matter, self-other, and nature-nurture, Wagner argues that these opposing ideas are not actually separate. Indeed, they are as inextricably connected as the two sides of a coin. Through a tour of modern biological marvels, Wagner illustrates how this paradoxical tension has a profound effect on the way we define the world around us. Paradoxical Life is thus not only a unique account of modern biology. It ultimately serves a radical--and optimistic--outlook for humans and the world we help create.


Book Synopsis Paradoxical Life by : Andreas Wagner

Download or read book Paradoxical Life written by Andreas Wagner and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2009-09-01 with total page 271 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What can a fingernail tell us about the mysteries of creation? In one sense, a nail is merely a hunk of mute matter, yet in another, it's an information superhighway quite literally at our fingertips. Every moment, streams of molecular signals direct our cells to move, flatten, swell, shrink, divide, or die. Andreas Wagner's ambitious new book explores this hidden web of unimaginably complex interactions in every living being. In the process, he unveils a host of paradoxes underpinning our understanding of modern biology, contradictions he considers gatekeepers at the frontiers of knowledge. Though we tend to think of concepts in such mutually exclusive pairs as mind-matter, self-other, and nature-nurture, Wagner argues that these opposing ideas are not actually separate. Indeed, they are as inextricably connected as the two sides of a coin. Through a tour of modern biological marvels, Wagner illustrates how this paradoxical tension has a profound effect on the way we define the world around us. Paradoxical Life is thus not only a unique account of modern biology. It ultimately serves a radical--and optimistic--outlook for humans and the world we help create.


Mathematics Tomorrow

Mathematics Tomorrow

Author: L.A. Steen

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 1461381274

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Mathematics today is approaching a state of cnSIS. As the demands of science and society for mathematical literacy increase, the percentage of American college students intending to major in mathematics plummets and achievement scores of entering college students continue thelt unremit ting decline. As research in core mathematics reaches unprecedented heights of power and sophistication, the growth of diverse applied special ties threatens to fragment mathematics into distinct and frequently hostile mathematical sciences. These crises in mathematics presage difficulties for science and engineer ing, and alarms are beginning to sound in the scientific and even in the political communities. Citing a trend towards "virtual scientific and techno logical illiteracy" and a "shrinking of our national commitment to excel lence . . . in science, mathematics and technology," a recent study con ducted for the President by the U. S. National Science Foundation and Department of Education warns of serious impending shortcomings in public understanding of science. "Today people in a wide range of non scientific . . . professions must have a greater understanding of technology than at any time in our history. Yet our educational system does not now provide such understanding. " The study goes on to conclude that present trends pose great risk of manpower shortages in the mathematical and engineering sciences. "The pool from which our future scientific and engineering personnel can be drawn is . . . in danger of becoming smaller, even as the need for such personnel is increasing. " It is time to take a serious look at mathematics tomorrow.


Book Synopsis Mathematics Tomorrow by : L.A. Steen

Download or read book Mathematics Tomorrow written by L.A. Steen and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mathematics today is approaching a state of cnSIS. As the demands of science and society for mathematical literacy increase, the percentage of American college students intending to major in mathematics plummets and achievement scores of entering college students continue thelt unremit ting decline. As research in core mathematics reaches unprecedented heights of power and sophistication, the growth of diverse applied special ties threatens to fragment mathematics into distinct and frequently hostile mathematical sciences. These crises in mathematics presage difficulties for science and engineer ing, and alarms are beginning to sound in the scientific and even in the political communities. Citing a trend towards "virtual scientific and techno logical illiteracy" and a "shrinking of our national commitment to excel lence . . . in science, mathematics and technology," a recent study con ducted for the President by the U. S. National Science Foundation and Department of Education warns of serious impending shortcomings in public understanding of science. "Today people in a wide range of non scientific . . . professions must have a greater understanding of technology than at any time in our history. Yet our educational system does not now provide such understanding. " The study goes on to conclude that present trends pose great risk of manpower shortages in the mathematical and engineering sciences. "The pool from which our future scientific and engineering personnel can be drawn is . . . in danger of becoming smaller, even as the need for such personnel is increasing. " It is time to take a serious look at mathematics tomorrow.


An Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics: A Reader

An Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics: A Reader

Author: Russell Marcus

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2016-02-11

Total Pages: 896

ISBN-13: 1472529480

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A comprehensive collection of historical readings in the philosophy of mathematics and a selection of influential contemporary work, this much-needed introduction reveals the rich history of the subject. An Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics: A Reader brings together an impressive collection of primary sources from ancient and modern philosophy. Arranged chronologically and featuring introductory overviews explaining technical terms, this accessible reader is easy-to-follow and unrivaled in its historical scope. With selections from key thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume and Kant, it connects the major ideas of the ancients with contemporary thinkers. A selection of recent texts from philosophers including Quine, Putnam, Field and Maddy offering insights into the current state of the discipline clearly illustrates the development of the subject. Presenting historical background essential to understanding contemporary trends and a survey of recent work, An Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics: A Reader is required reading for undergraduates and graduate students studying the philosophy of mathematics and an invaluable source book for working researchers.


Book Synopsis An Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics: A Reader by : Russell Marcus

Download or read book An Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics: A Reader written by Russell Marcus and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2016-02-11 with total page 896 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A comprehensive collection of historical readings in the philosophy of mathematics and a selection of influential contemporary work, this much-needed introduction reveals the rich history of the subject. An Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics: A Reader brings together an impressive collection of primary sources from ancient and modern philosophy. Arranged chronologically and featuring introductory overviews explaining technical terms, this accessible reader is easy-to-follow and unrivaled in its historical scope. With selections from key thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume and Kant, it connects the major ideas of the ancients with contemporary thinkers. A selection of recent texts from philosophers including Quine, Putnam, Field and Maddy offering insights into the current state of the discipline clearly illustrates the development of the subject. Presenting historical background essential to understanding contemporary trends and a survey of recent work, An Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics: A Reader is required reading for undergraduates and graduate students studying the philosophy of mathematics and an invaluable source book for working researchers.


New Directions in the Philosophy of Mathematics

New Directions in the Philosophy of Mathematics

Author: Thomas Tymoczko

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 1998-02

Total Pages: 458

ISBN-13: 9780691034980

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The traditional debate among philosophers of mathematics is whether there is an external mathematical reality, something out there to be discovered, or whether mathematics is the product of the human mind. This provocative book, now available in a revised and expanded paperback edition, goes beyond foundationalist questions to offer what has been called a "postmodern" assessment of the philosophy of mathematics--one that addresses issues of theoretical importance in terms of mathematical experience. By bringing together essays of leading philosophers, mathematicians, logicians, and computer scientists, Thomas Tymoczko reveals an evolving effort to account for the nature of mathematics in relation to other human activities. These accounts include such topics as the history of mathematics as a field of study, predictions about how computers will influence the future organization of mathematics, and what processes a proof undergoes before it reaches publishable form. This expanded edition now contains essays by Penelope Maddy, Michael D. Resnik, and William P. Thurston that address the nature of mathematical proofs. The editor has provided a new afterword and a supplemental bibliography of recent work.


Book Synopsis New Directions in the Philosophy of Mathematics by : Thomas Tymoczko

Download or read book New Directions in the Philosophy of Mathematics written by Thomas Tymoczko and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 1998-02 with total page 458 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The traditional debate among philosophers of mathematics is whether there is an external mathematical reality, something out there to be discovered, or whether mathematics is the product of the human mind. This provocative book, now available in a revised and expanded paperback edition, goes beyond foundationalist questions to offer what has been called a "postmodern" assessment of the philosophy of mathematics--one that addresses issues of theoretical importance in terms of mathematical experience. By bringing together essays of leading philosophers, mathematicians, logicians, and computer scientists, Thomas Tymoczko reveals an evolving effort to account for the nature of mathematics in relation to other human activities. These accounts include such topics as the history of mathematics as a field of study, predictions about how computers will influence the future organization of mathematics, and what processes a proof undergoes before it reaches publishable form. This expanded edition now contains essays by Penelope Maddy, Michael D. Resnik, and William P. Thurston that address the nature of mathematical proofs. The editor has provided a new afterword and a supplemental bibliography of recent work.


Writing Math Research Papers

Writing Math Research Papers

Author: Robert Gerver

Publisher: IAP

Published: 2013-07-01

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1623962404

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Mathematics research papers provide a forum for all mathematics enthusiasts to exercise their mathematical experience, expertise and excitement. The research paper process epitomizes the differentiation of instruction, as each student chooses their own topic and extends it as far as their desire takes them. The features and benefits of the research paper process offer a natural alignment with all eight Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice. Writing Math Research Papers serves both as a text for students and as a resource for instructors and administrators. It systematically describes the steps involved in creating a mathematics research paper and an oral presentation. The chapters offer tips on technical writing, formatting, and preparing visual aids. For instructors and administrators, the book covers the logistics necessary in setting up a mathematics research program in a high school setting. This program received the 1997 Chevron Best Practices in Education Award as the premier high school mathematics course in the United States.


Book Synopsis Writing Math Research Papers by : Robert Gerver

Download or read book Writing Math Research Papers written by Robert Gerver and published by IAP. This book was released on 2013-07-01 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mathematics research papers provide a forum for all mathematics enthusiasts to exercise their mathematical experience, expertise and excitement. The research paper process epitomizes the differentiation of instruction, as each student chooses their own topic and extends it as far as their desire takes them. The features and benefits of the research paper process offer a natural alignment with all eight Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice. Writing Math Research Papers serves both as a text for students and as a resource for instructors and administrators. It systematically describes the steps involved in creating a mathematics research paper and an oral presentation. The chapters offer tips on technical writing, formatting, and preparing visual aids. For instructors and administrators, the book covers the logistics necessary in setting up a mathematics research program in a high school setting. This program received the 1997 Chevron Best Practices in Education Award as the premier high school mathematics course in the United States.


Writing Math Research Papers - 5th Ed.

Writing Math Research Papers - 5th Ed.

Author: Robert Gerver

Publisher: IAP

Published: 2017-12-01

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 1641131128

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Mathematics research papers provide a forum for all mathematics enthusiasts to exercise their mathematical experience, expertise and excitement. The research paper process epitomizes the differentiation of instruction, as each student chooses their own topic and extends it as far as their motivation and desire takes them. The features and benefits of the research paper process offer a natural alignment with all eight Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice. Writing Math Research Papers serves both as a text for students and as a resource for instructors and administrators. The Writing Math Research Papers program started at North Shore High School in 1991, and it received the 1997 Chevron Best Practices in Education Award as the premier high school math course in the United States. Author Robert Gerver’s articles on high school mathematics research programs were featured in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics publication Developing Mathematically Promising Students, the NCTM’s 1999 Yearbook, Developing Mathematical Reasoning in Grades K – 12, and in the September 2017 issue of the Mathematics Teacher.


Book Synopsis Writing Math Research Papers - 5th Ed. by : Robert Gerver

Download or read book Writing Math Research Papers - 5th Ed. written by Robert Gerver and published by IAP. This book was released on 2017-12-01 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mathematics research papers provide a forum for all mathematics enthusiasts to exercise their mathematical experience, expertise and excitement. The research paper process epitomizes the differentiation of instruction, as each student chooses their own topic and extends it as far as their motivation and desire takes them. The features and benefits of the research paper process offer a natural alignment with all eight Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice. Writing Math Research Papers serves both as a text for students and as a resource for instructors and administrators. The Writing Math Research Papers program started at North Shore High School in 1991, and it received the 1997 Chevron Best Practices in Education Award as the premier high school math course in the United States. Author Robert Gerver’s articles on high school mathematics research programs were featured in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics publication Developing Mathematically Promising Students, the NCTM’s 1999 Yearbook, Developing Mathematical Reasoning in Grades K – 12, and in the September 2017 issue of the Mathematics Teacher.


Mathematical Reasoning

Mathematical Reasoning

Author: Raymond Nickerson

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2011-02-25

Total Pages: 597

ISBN-13: 1136945393

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The development of mathematical competence -- both by humans as a species over millennia and by individuals over their lifetimes -- is a fascinating aspect of human cognition. This book explores when and why the rudiments of mathematical capability first appeared among human beings, what its fundamental concepts are, and how and why it has grown into the richly branching complex of specialties that it is today. It discusses whether the ‘truths’ of mathematics are discoveries or inventions, and what prompts the emergence of concepts that appear to be descriptive of nothing in human experience. Also covered is the role of esthetics in mathematics: What exactly are mathematicians seeing when they describe a mathematical entity as ‘beautiful’? There is discussion of whether mathematical disability is distinguishable from a general cognitive deficit and whether the potential for mathematical reasoning is best developed through instruction. This volume is unique in the vast range of psychological questions it covers, as revealed in the work habits and products of numerous mathematicians. It provides fascinating reading for researchers and students with an interest in cognition in general and mathematical cognition in particular. Instructors of mathematics will also find the book’s insights illuminating.


Book Synopsis Mathematical Reasoning by : Raymond Nickerson

Download or read book Mathematical Reasoning written by Raymond Nickerson and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2011-02-25 with total page 597 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The development of mathematical competence -- both by humans as a species over millennia and by individuals over their lifetimes -- is a fascinating aspect of human cognition. This book explores when and why the rudiments of mathematical capability first appeared among human beings, what its fundamental concepts are, and how and why it has grown into the richly branching complex of specialties that it is today. It discusses whether the ‘truths’ of mathematics are discoveries or inventions, and what prompts the emergence of concepts that appear to be descriptive of nothing in human experience. Also covered is the role of esthetics in mathematics: What exactly are mathematicians seeing when they describe a mathematical entity as ‘beautiful’? There is discussion of whether mathematical disability is distinguishable from a general cognitive deficit and whether the potential for mathematical reasoning is best developed through instruction. This volume is unique in the vast range of psychological questions it covers, as revealed in the work habits and products of numerous mathematicians. It provides fascinating reading for researchers and students with an interest in cognition in general and mathematical cognition in particular. Instructors of mathematics will also find the book’s insights illuminating.


Teaching Mathematics Using Interactive Mapping

Teaching Mathematics Using Interactive Mapping

Author: Sandra L. Arlinghaus

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2023-12-11

Total Pages: 251

ISBN-13: 1003804209

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Teaching Mathematics Using Interactive Mapping offers novel ways to learn basic math topics such as simple relational measures or measuring hierarchies through customized interactive mapping activities. These activities focus on interactive web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) and are relevant to today’s problems and challenges. Written in a guided, hands-on, understandable manner, all activities are designed to build practical and problem-solving skills that rest on mathematical principles and move students from thinking about maps as references that focus solely on "where is" something, to analytical tools, focusing primarily on the "whys of where." Success with this transition through interaction permits most readers to master mathematical concepts and GIS tools. FEATURES Offers custom-designed geographical activities to fit with specific mathematical topics Helps students become comfortable using mathematics in a variety of professions Provides an innovative, engaging, and practical set of activities to ease readers through typically difficult, often elementary, mathematical topics: fractions, the distributive law, and much more Uses web-based GIS maps, apps, and other tools and data that can be accessed on any device, anywhere, at any time, requiring no prior GIS background Written by experienced teachers and researchers with lifelong experience in teaching mathematics, geography, and spatial analysis Features an accompanying Solution Guide, available on the book's product page, that is beneficial for instructors, students, and other readers as an aid to gauging progress. This textbook applies to undergraduate and graduate students in universities and community colleges including those in basic mathematics courses, as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in geographic information systems, remote sensing, photogrammetry, geography, geodesy, information science, engineering, and geology. Professionals interested in learning techniques and technologies for collecting, analyzing, managing, processing, and visualizing geospatial datasets will also benefit from this book as they refresh their knowledge in mathematics.


Book Synopsis Teaching Mathematics Using Interactive Mapping by : Sandra L. Arlinghaus

Download or read book Teaching Mathematics Using Interactive Mapping written by Sandra L. Arlinghaus and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2023-12-11 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Teaching Mathematics Using Interactive Mapping offers novel ways to learn basic math topics such as simple relational measures or measuring hierarchies through customized interactive mapping activities. These activities focus on interactive web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) and are relevant to today’s problems and challenges. Written in a guided, hands-on, understandable manner, all activities are designed to build practical and problem-solving skills that rest on mathematical principles and move students from thinking about maps as references that focus solely on "where is" something, to analytical tools, focusing primarily on the "whys of where." Success with this transition through interaction permits most readers to master mathematical concepts and GIS tools. FEATURES Offers custom-designed geographical activities to fit with specific mathematical topics Helps students become comfortable using mathematics in a variety of professions Provides an innovative, engaging, and practical set of activities to ease readers through typically difficult, often elementary, mathematical topics: fractions, the distributive law, and much more Uses web-based GIS maps, apps, and other tools and data that can be accessed on any device, anywhere, at any time, requiring no prior GIS background Written by experienced teachers and researchers with lifelong experience in teaching mathematics, geography, and spatial analysis Features an accompanying Solution Guide, available on the book's product page, that is beneficial for instructors, students, and other readers as an aid to gauging progress. This textbook applies to undergraduate and graduate students in universities and community colleges including those in basic mathematics courses, as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in geographic information systems, remote sensing, photogrammetry, geography, geodesy, information science, engineering, and geology. Professionals interested in learning techniques and technologies for collecting, analyzing, managing, processing, and visualizing geospatial datasets will also benefit from this book as they refresh their knowledge in mathematics.