Mathematics – its Contents, Methods, and Meaning: Volume 1 (The MIT Press) - Softcover

Aleksandrov, A. D.; Kolmogorov, A. N.; Lavrent`ev, M. A.; Gould, S. H.; Bartha, T.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0262510057 ISBN 13: 9780262510059

Publisher: MIT Press, 1969

Synopsis

A comprehensive exposition of mathematics, tracing the history and cultural significance of mathematical ideas from antiquity to the present day.

Mathematics, which originated in antiquity in the needs of daily life, has developed into an immense system of widely varied disciplines. Like the other sciences, it reflects the laws of the material world around us and serves as a powerful instrument for our knowledge and mastery of nature. But the high level of abstraction peculiar to mathematics means that its newer branches are relatively inaccessible to nonspecialists. This abstract character of mathematics gave birth even in antiquity to idealistic notions about its independence of the material world. In recent years, many popular books about mathematics have appeared, but many of them have neglected the twentieth century, the undisputed golden age of mathematics. This book undertakes the ultimate task of mathematical exposition, outlining the history and cultural significance of mathematical ideas and their continuous development from the earliest beginnings of history to the present day.

About this title

Review

The high quality of exposition, the unparalleled breadth, and the emphasis on concept rather than proof for proof's sake should do much to raise the level of mathematical literacy everywhere.

--Roger S. Pinkham, American Scientist

Edition details

• Publisher: MIT Press
• Publication date: 1969
• ISBN 10: 0262510057
• ISBN 13: 9780262510059
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 398