A Brief History of Mathematical Thought

Luke Heaton

234 ratings by Goodreads

Language: English

Published by Little, Brown Book Group, GB, 2015

1472117115 / 9781472117113

  • Softcover
  • New
See all details

Seller: Rarewaves.com USA, London, London, United KingdomRarewaves.com USA

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 11, 2025

Softcover

Condition: New

£ 13.91

 Free Shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: 5 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

Mathematics is a product of human culture which has developed along with our attempts to comprehend the world around us. In A Brief History of Mathematical Thought, Luke Heaton explores how the language of mathematics has evolved over time, enabling new technologies and shaping the way people think. From stone-age rituals to algebra, calculus, and the concept of computation, Heaton shows the enormous influence of mathematics on science, philosophy and the broader human story.The book traces the fascinating history of mathematical practice, focusing on the impact of key conceptual innovations. Its structure of thirteen chapters split between four sections is dictated by a combination of historical and thematic considerations. In the first section, Heaton illuminates the fundamental concept of number. He begins with a speculative and rhetorical account of prehistoric rituals, before describing the practice of mathematics in Ancient Egypt, Babylon and Greece. He then examines the relationship between counting and the continuum of measurement, and explains how the rise of algebra has dramatically transformed our world. In the second section, he explores the origins of calculus and the conceptual shift that accompanied the birth of non-Euclidean geometries. In the third section, he examines the concept of the infinite and the fundamentals of formal logic. Finally, in section four, he considers the limits of formal proof, and the critical role of mathematics in our ongoing attempts to comprehend the world around us. The story of mathematics is fascinating in its own right, but Heaton does more than simply outline a history of mathematical ideas. More importantly, he shows clearly how the history and philosophy of maths provides an invaluable perspective on human nature.…

Seller Inventory # LU-9781472117113

Title
A Brief History of Mathematical Thought
Author
Luke Heaton
Publisher
Little, Brown Book Group, GB
Publication year
2015
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
Language
English
ISBN 10
1472117115
ISBN 13
9781472117113
Item weight
260 grams

Rarewaves.com USA

London, London, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 11, 2025

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item8 to 13 business days8 to 13 business days
First item£ 0.00£ 0.00
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Seller's business information

RAREWAVES.COM LIMITED

Elsley Court, 20-22 Great Titchfield Street
London, United Kingdom W1W 8BE