Letters to a Young Mathematician (Art of Mentoring) - Hardcover

Stewart, Dr Ian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0465082319 ISBN 13: 9780465082315

Publisher: Basic Civitas Books, 2006

Synopsis

The first scientific entry in the acclaimed Art of Mentoring series from Basic Books, Letters to a Young Mathematician tells readers what Ian Stewart wishes he had known when he was a student and young faculty member. Subjects ranging from the philosophical to the practical--what mathematics is and why it's worth doing, the relationship between logic and proof, the role of beauty in mathematical thinking, the future of mathematics, how to deal with the peculiarities of the mathematical community, and many others--are dealt with in Stewart's much-admired style, which combines subtle, easygoing humor with a talent for cutting to the heart of the matter. In the tradition of G.H. Hardy's classic A Mathematician's Apology, this book is sure to be a perennial favorite with students at all levels, as well as with other readers who are curious about the frequently incomprehensible world of mathematics.

About this title

Review:

"İStewart is¨ just as happy discussing whether God is a mathematician or whether alien mathematics will turn out to be the same as ours. As a mentor for a budding mathematician, he is remarkably good company."

Synopsis:

This is an astute and lively exploration of what it's really like to do mathematics, by well-known mathematician and writer Ian Stewart. The first scientific entry in Basic Books' renowned "Art of Mentoring" series, "Letters to a Young Mathematician" tells readers what Ian Stewart wishes he'd known when he was a student. Subjects ranging from the philosophical to the practical - what mathematics is and why it's worth doing, the relationship between logic and proof, the role of beauty in mathematical thinking, the future of mathematics, how to deal with the peculiarities of the mathematical community, and many others - are dealt with in Stewart's much-admired style, which combines subtle, easygoing humour with a talent for cutting to the heart of the matter. Like G.H. Hardy's classic, "A Mathematician's Apology", this book is sure to be a perennial favourite with students at all levels, as well as other readers who are curious about what mathematics is all about.

About this edition

• Publisher: Basic Civitas Books
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0465082319
• ISBN 13: 9780465082315
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 222