Goodbye Descartes

Devlin, Keith

ISBN 10: 0471251860 / ISBN 13: 9780471251866

Published by Wiley, 1998

About this Item

Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00071907481

Bibliographic Details

Title: Goodbye Descartes

Publisher: Wiley

Publication Date: 1998

Binding: Soft cover

Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis:

"[Goodbye, Descartes] is certain to attract attention and controversy..a fascinating journey to the edges of logical thinking and beyond." -Publishers Weekly (???) Critical Acclaim for Keith Devlin's Previous Book Mathematics: The Science of Patterns "A book such as this belongs in the personal library of everyone interested in learning about some of the most subtle and profound works of the human spirit." -American Scientist "Devlin's very attractive book is a well-written attempt to explain mathematics to educated nonmathematicians . the basic ideas are presented in a clear, concise, and easily understood manner. Highly recommended." -Choice "[Devlin] has found an interesting way of exhibiting how mathematics is unified . the author's presentation is a tour de force." -Mathematical Reviews A Selection of the Newbridge Library of Science and Reader's Subscription

From the Author:

Be prepared to be challenged
When New Scientist gave "Goodbye Descartes" a highly enthusiastic review in its April 12, 1997, issue (see the web version of the review at http://www.nsplus.com/ns/970412/review.html), it prompted a small flood of mail from readers of the book and/or the review who had misunderstood one or more of the examples (particularly the notorious Monty Hall Problem) or the book's overall argument. New Scientist are currently running a web discussion on the Monty Hall problem, based on the original review of "Goodbye Descartes". Check the "Biteback" section of the web edition of New Scientist (http://www.newscientist.com).

If you only like to read books that reinforce your cosy view of how things are, and if you have a strong belief that science can answer all questions and computers will one day be just like ourselves, you should perhaps avoid reading "Goodbye Descartes". If, on the other hand, you have an open mind and like a good challenge, take a look and decide for yourself.

-- Keith Devlin