New: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. See the ... Read moreabout the conditionNew: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. See the seller's listing for full details. See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tab
To many outsiders, mathematicians appear to think like computers, grimly grinding away with a strict formal logic and moving methodically--even algorithmically--from one black-and-white deduction to another. Yet mathematicians often describe their most important breakthroughs as creative, intuitive responses to ambiguity, contradiction, and paradox. A unique examination of this less-familiar aspect of mathematics, How Mathematicians Think reveals that mathematics is a profoundly creative activity and not just a body of formalized rules and results. Nonlogical qualities, William Byers shows, play an essential role in mathematics. Ambiguities, contradictions, and paradoxes can arise when ideas developed in different contexts come into contact. Uncertainties and conflicts do not impede but rather spur the development of mathematics. Creativity often means bringing apparently incompatible perspectives together as complementary aspects of a new, more subtle theory. The secret of mathematics is not to be found only in its logical structure. The creative dimensions of mathematical work have great implications for our notions of mathematical and scientific truth, and How Mathematicians Think provides a novel approach to many fundamental questions. Is mathematics objectively true? Is it discovered or invented? And is there such a thing as a final scientific theory? Ultimately, How Mathematicians Think shows that the nature of mathematical thinking can teach us a great deal about the human condition itself.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Very good condition -A book that has been read and does not look new, but is in excellent condition. Don't have obvious damage to the book cover. No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Very good condition -A book that has been read and does not look new, but is in excellent condition. Don't have obvious damage to the book cover. No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
Good condition -A book that has been read, but is in good condition. Minimal damage to the book cover.The majority of pages are undamaged might be with some creasing or tearing, and pencil underlining of text. No writing in the margins, no missing pages.
€17.97
New: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. See the ... Read moreabout the conditionNew: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. See the seller's listing for full details. See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tab
