Title
Mathematics: The Science of Patterns : The Search for Order in Life, Mind, and the Universe (Scientific American Library),Used
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With this fascinating volume, Keith Devlin proves that the guiding principles of some of the most mysterious mathematical topics can be made comprehensible. Writing with an elegant lucidity, Devlin shows just why the definition of mathematics as 'working with numbers' has been out of date for nearly 2,500 years. And he demonstrates that far from being too abstract to matter, mathematics is instead an essential and uniquely human endeavor, one that helps us understand the universe and ourselves.In this century alone, there has been a veritable explosion of mathematical activity. A body of knowledge that in 1900 might have filled 80 volumes now would require nearly 100,000. Fields such as algebra and topology have grown tremendously, while complexity theory, dynamical systems theory, and other new areas have developed. And in the last two decades, a common thread running through the many facets of mathematics has been recognized: mathematicians of all kinds now see their work as the study of patterns real or imagined, visual or mental, arising from the natural world or from within the human mind.Devlin uses this basic definition as his central theme, revealing the search for patterns that drives the mathematics of counting (natural numbers), reasoning (language and logic), motion (calculus), shape (geometry, tilings), and position (topology, knots, symmetry). Interweaving historical highlights and current developments, and using a minimum of formulas, he lets readers see into the kind of reasoning that allows mathematicians to create and explore arcane subjects. And he makes clear the many ways mathematics informs our perceptions of reality both the physical, biological, and social worlds without, and the realm of ideas and thoughts within.'Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty,' the noted philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell once wrote. In Mathematics: The Science of Patterns, Keith Devlin makes such a vision accessible, entertaining, and meaningful. It is an insightful, richly illustrated celebration of the simplicity, the precision, the purity, and the elegance of mathematics.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Mathematics: The Science of Patterns'? A: The main theme of the book is the search for patterns in mathematics, showing how this pursuit drives various mathematical fields such as counting, reasoning, and geometry.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Mathematics: The Science of Patterns' is Keith Devlin.
- Q: What is the publication date of the book? A: The book was published on January 1, 1994.
- Q: What is the condition of this used book? A: This book is classified as 'Used Book in Good Condition', indicating it may show some signs of wear but is still fully functional.
- Q: How many pages does 'Mathematics: The Science of Patterns' have? A: The book contains 216 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover.
- Q: What categories does this book fall under? A: This book falls under the category of Logic.
- Q: Does the book include mathematical formulas? A: The author uses a minimum of formulas, focusing instead on explaining concepts and reasoning.
- Q: What are some key topics discussed in the book? A: Key topics include the mathematics of counting, reasoning, motion, shape, and position, all centered around the concept of patterns.
- Q: Is the book suitable for someone new to mathematics? A: Yes, the book is written with an elegant lucidity, making complex mathematical concepts accessible to readers without advanced knowledge.