First published 2011
This collection gathers outstanding mathematical writing from across the globe. Freeman Dyson provides the foreword for this compilation of articles that make complex mathematical ideas accessible to general readers. Ian Hacking examines what sets mathematics apart from other intellectual disciplines. Doris Schattschneider explores how M. C. Escher drew inspiration from mathematical concepts for his artwork. Jordan Ellenberg explains compressed sensing and its impact on handling massive data sets. Erica Klarreich investigates how algorithms now shape the medical job market. The anthology combines established voices with emerging writers in the field. These pieces explore mathematical history, philosophy, teaching methods, and real-world applications. The collection takes readers into current mathematical debates and controversies. Writers examine both the theoretical foundations and practical consequences of mathematical thinking. The book serves readers who want to understand mathematics without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
Genres: science, non-fiction, mathematics, academic
Vibes: accessible, educational, thought-provoking
Tropes: accessible-writing, diverse-perspectives
Period: 2011
350 pages · ebook · Princeton University Press