Mystic, Geometer, and Intuitionist: The Life of L.E.J. Brouwer 1881-1966: Volume 2: Hope and Disillusion: v. 2 - Hardcover

Van Dalen, Dirk

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198516207 ISBN 13: 9780198516200

Publisher: Clarendon Press, 2005

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, the second in a two volume set, 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.

About this title

Review

...the author has achieved an enormous task ... for the first time, we now have a full and detailed picture of some of the important episodes in mathematics and the philosophy of mathematics, related to Brouwer. (Studia Logica 87: 135-138)

This book is a good read. (Bonnie Shulman, MAA Online)

"Van Dalen's biography is, like it's subject, extraordinary. I highly recommend it." (Richard Tieszen, Philosophia Mathematica, 02/07)

Edition details

• Publisher: Clarendon Press
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198516207
• ISBN 13: 9780198516200
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 516