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Discrete Thoughts: Essays on Mathematics, Science and Philosophy,New
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as anywhere today, it is becoming more d ficult to tell the truth. To be sure, our store of accurate facts is more plentiful now than it has ever been, and the minutest details of history are being thoroughly recorded. Scientists, men and scholars vie with each other in publishing excruciatingly definitive accounts of all that happens on the natural, political and historical scenes. Unfortunately, telling the truth is not quite the same thing as reciting a rosary of facts. Jos6 Ortega y Gasset, in an adm able lesson summarized by Antonio Machado's threeline poem, prophetically warned us that the reason people so often lie is that they lack imagination: they don't realize that the truth, too, is a matter of invention. Sometime, in a future that is knocking at our door, we shall have to retrain ourselves or our children to properly tell the truth. The exercise will be particularly painful in mathematics. The enrapturing discoveries of our field systematically conceal, like footprints erased in the sand, the analogical train of thought that is the authentic life of mathematics. Shocking as it may be to a conservative logician, the day will come when currently MATHEMATICS, IN vague concepts such as motivation and purpose will be made formal and accepted as constituents of a revamped logic, where they will at last be allotted the equal status they deserve, si byside with axioms and theorems.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Discrete Thoughts'? A: 'Discrete Thoughts: Essays on Mathematics, Science and Philosophy' explores the complexities of truth in relation to mathematics, science, and philosophy, emphasizing the importance of imagination in understanding and conveying the truth.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by Mark Kac, a prominent figure in the fields of mathematics and science.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is available in a paperback binding, making it a lightweight and portable option for readers.
- Q: How many pages does 'Discrete Thoughts' contain? A: 'Discrete Thoughts' has a total of 278 pages, providing a comprehensive exploration of its themes.
- Q: When was 'Discrete Thoughts' published? A: 'Discrete Thoughts' was published on June 1, 1993, and is currently in its second edition.
- Q: What condition is this book in? A: The book is listed as 'New', indicating it is in excellent condition and free of any defects.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in mathematics? A: 'Discrete Thoughts' delves into complex ideas, so while it may be accessible for some beginners, a foundational understanding of mathematics and philosophy is recommended for full comprehension.
- Q: What topics does the book cover? A: The book covers a range of topics including the philosophy of mathematics, the nature of truth, and the interplay between science and societal narratives.
- Q: Can this book be used as a reference for academic work? A: Yes, 'Discrete Thoughts' can serve as a valuable reference for students and scholars interested in the philosophical aspects of mathematics and science.
- Q: Does the book include any illustrations or diagrams? A: The primary focus of 'Discrete Thoughts' is on essays and written content, and it does not prominently feature illustrations or diagrams.