Mystic, Geometer, and Intuitionist: The Life of L. E. J. Brouwer, Vol. 1 - The Dawning Revolution - Hardcover

Dalen, Dirk Van

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198502974 ISBN 13: 9780198502975

Publisher: Clarendon Press, 1999

Synopsis

Luitzen Egbertus Jan Brouwer is a remarkable figure, both in the development of mathematics and in wider Dutch history. A mathematical genius with strong mystical and philosophical leanings, he advocated the intuitionist view of mathematics and science as a constructive mental activity. This drew him into a discussion with David Hilbert, the leading advocate of the formalist school, about the nature of mathematics, a debate which made Brouwer a legend during his lifetime. He also contributed significantly to research in topology, and was a member of the socio- linguistic Signific Circle. As well as his diverse mathematical interests he had a great impact in wider Dutch society. His keen sense of justice made him a party in many conflicts, both scientific and political. He would often be involved in controversial issues, such as the campaign to undo the boycott of German scientists, and this made him a figure both of admiration and embarrassment in his native Holland. Although his abilities won him offers from prestigious universities such as Berlin and Göttingen, he preferred to stay in Amsterdam, so that he could pursue a life of quiet unconventionality in the artist community at Laren. This book provides a sophisticated analysis of this crucial era of mathematical research, but also gives an important insight into the wider life of one of the most fascinating characters involved. This book is available at the specially discounted price of £49.95 to customers in the Netherlands.

About this title

Review

A very detailed yet immensely readable, intriguing book, which, while a learned research publication, has all the attributes of a thriller. This work will undoubtedly stand as a fine example of how to write a scientific biography. It will forever remain the main secondary source of information on L.E.J. Brouwer, and for decades a standard text on Brouwer's life. (Geombinatorics XVI(2))

van Dalen has produced a very detailed yet immensely readable, intriguing book, which, while a learned research publication, has all the attributes of a thriller. This work will undoubtedly stand as a fine example of how to write a scientific biography. It will forever remain the main secondary source of information on L. E. J. Brouwer, and for decades a standard text on Brouwer's life. (Alexander Soifer, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs DIMACS, Rutgers University & Princeton University - Zentralblatt für Mathematik)

... this book is valuable not only for one who wants to know the exciting story of Brouwer's life, but also for one who is interested in intuitionism or, widely speaking the philosophy of mathematics in general. (Annals of the Japan Association for Philosophy of Science)

This exciting and well researched in-depth study ... is a great read. (British Journal for The History of Science)

Edition details

• Publisher: Clarendon Press
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198502974
• ISBN 13: 9780198502975
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 456