The Best Writing on Mathematics 2013 (ebook)

Argumento de The Best Writing on Mathematics 2013 (ebook)

"[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

"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

"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

"Most of the articles presented here are entertaining and enlightening, and the book should be recommended to everyone interested in mathematics."--Zentralblatt MATH

Mircea Pitici holds a PhD mathematics education from Cornell University, where he teaches math and writing. He has edited The Best Writing on Mathematics since 2010.

"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

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

"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 Newsletter0Foreword 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 Bézier 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