Description
Book SynopsisOffers a panoramic view of mathematics in contemporary society; Terence Tao discusses aspects of universal mathematical laws in complex systems; Ian Stewart explains how in mathematics everything arises out of nothing; and Erin Maloney and Sian Beilock consider the mathematical anxiety experienced by many students and suggest effective remedies.
Trade Review"A marvelous selection of papers about mathematics written by the best... Highly recommended to all with a broad interest in science, history, art, education, philosophy ... which is almost anybody."--A. Bultheel, European Mathematical Society Reviews "In addition to presenting the year's most memorable writings on mathematics, this must-have anthology includes a foreword by esteemed physicist and mathematician Freeman Dyson. This book belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in where math has taken us--and where it is headed."--World Book Industry "These selections provide a sampling of the state of the art through topics ranging from math anxiety to modern applications to the history of mathematics. With great emphasis on the interactions of mathematics with modern civilization, the arts, and philosophy, these articles can be a source of intellectual stimulation for educated lay readers and will provide, for working mathematicians or scientists, exposure to parts of the subject outside of their research range... A well-chosen collection supplemented by an outstanding bibliography of suggested further reading."--Harold D. Shane, Library Journal "[T]his is a marvelous selection of papers about mathematics written by the best. They do not draw the reader into the mathematical jargon that is only of interest to the mathematical literate. In fact practically no mathematics is needed and formulas are almost completely absent. It is the best possible way of communicating mathematics to the non-mathematician and even the ones suffering from mathematical anxiety will enjoy reading the booklet. Of course this is only a relatively small selection but for the reader longing for more, Pitici gives in his introduction an even longer list of books, papers, websites and blogs that are equally worth reading. Pitici did once more an excellent job, and the result is highly recommended to all with a broad interest in science, history, art, education, philosophy ... which is almost anybody."--A. Bultheel, European Mathematical Society "The list of titles of the essays reprinted in this volume would be almost enough to persuade many people that they will enjoy reading it, and indeed that they could profitably put it in front of anyone who wants to know what mathematics is about. It's a partial and selective picture, of course, but it's fresh, varied, and as its title might suggest, well written."--Jeremy Gray, LMS Newsletter "Most of the articles presented here are entertaining and enlightening, and the book should be recommended to everyone interested in mathematics."--Zentralblatt MATH Praise for Princeton's previous editions: "A wonderful and varied bouquet of texts... I highly recommend this book to everyone with an interest in mathematics."--Stephen Buckley, Irish Mathematical Society Bulletin
Table of ContentsForeword Roger Penrose ix Introduction Mircea Pitici xv The Prospects for Mathematics in a Multimedia Civilization Philip J. Davis 1 Fearful Symmetry Ian Stewart 23 E pluribus unum: From Complexity, Universality Terence Tao 32 Degrees of Separation Gregory Goth 47 Randomness Charles Seife 52 Randomness in Music Donald E. Knuth 56 Playing the Odds Soren Johnson 62 Machines of the Infinite John Pavlus 67 Bridges, String Art, and Bezier Curves Renan Gross 77 Slicing a Cone for Art and Science Daniel S. Silver 90 High Fashion Meets Higher Mathematics Kelly Delp 109 The Jordan Curve Theorem Is Nontrivial Fiona Ross and William T. Ross 120 Why Mathematics? What Mathematics? Anna Sfard 130 Math Anxiety: Who Has It, Why It Develops, and How to Guard against It Erin A. Maloney and Sian L. Beilock 143 How Old Are the Platonic Solids? David R. Lloyd 149 Early Modern Mathematical Instruments Jim Bennett 163 A Revolution in Mathematics? What Really Happened a Century Ago and Why It Matters Today Frank Quinn 175 Errors of Probability in Historical Context Prakash Gorroochurn 191 The End of Probability Elie Ayache 213 An abc Proof Too Tough Even for Mathematicians Kevin Hartnett 225 Contributors 231 Notable Texts 237 Acknowledgments 241 Credits 243
