Descartes' Dream: The World According to MathematicsPhilosopher René Descartes visualized a world unified by mathematics, in which all intellectual issues could be resolved rationally by local computation. This series of provocative essays takes a modern look at the seventeenth-century thinker’s dream, examining the physical and intellectual influences of mathematics on society, particularly in light of technological advances. They survey the conditions that elicit the application of mathematic principles; the effectiveness of these applications; and how applied mathematics constrain lives and transform perceptions of reality. Highly suitable for browsing, the essays require different levels of mathematical knowledge that range from popular to professional. 1987 ed. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
abstract algebra algorithms answer applications applied mathematics arithmetic artist assert axioms believe Brown University calculation called century cliometrics computer languages computer science computer scientist computer thinks computerization course Courtesy created Descartes dream economic eggs foo yung ematics equations ethics example existence experience formal FORTRAN functions Further Readings human idea individual intellectual interpretation kind knowledge laws logical look M.C. Escher machine math mathematical model mathematical proofs mathematician matical meaning metaphor metathinking method mind mode motion multi-valued logics natural non-Euclidean geometry numerical analysis operations person philosopher philosophy of mathematics physical physicists possible prediction probability theory problem proof puter question real world reality reason require rhetorical sense simply social statement statistics stochastic symbols talk tests theoretical there's things thought truth whole word write