Figures of Thought

Mathematics and Mathematical Texts
1. Auflage 1994
ISBN: 978-0-415-08146-7
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd (Sales)

Buch, Englisch, 208 Seiten, Format (B × H): 148 mm x 232 mm, Gewicht: 386 g

Rarely has the history or philosophy of mathematics been written about by mathematicians, and the analysis of mathematical texts themselves has been an area almost entirely unexplored. Figures of Thought looks at ways in which mathematical works can be read as texts, examines their textual strategies and demonstrates that such readings provide a rich source of philosophical issues regarding mathematics: issues which traditional approaches to the history and philosophy of mathematics have neglected.
David Reed, a professional mathematician himself, offers the first sustained and critical attempt to find a consistent argument or narrative thread in mathematical texts. In doing so he develops new and fascinating interpretations of mathematicians' work throughout history, from an in-depth analysis of Euclid's Elements, to the mathematics of Descartes and right up to the work of contemporary mathematicians such as Grothendeick. He also traces the implications of this approach to the understanding of the history and development of mathematics.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Reed, David

Fachgebiete

• Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Mathematik Allgemein Philosophie der Mathematik
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Philosophie der Mathematik, Philosophie der Physik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface Introduction Part I: The Subject Matter of Geometry in Euclid, Descartes and Hilbert 1. The Opening of The Elements 2. Propositions and Proofs - Theorems and Problems Part II 1. The Contexts of Measurement 2. Number Theory in the 19th Century Appendix Part III Introduction 1. Types of Wholes 2. Generality in Contemporary Mathematics Conclusion

Über Autor(innen)

Reed, David