Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: The Formation of Concepts in Modern Mathematics (Dover Books on Mathematics) - Softcover

Waismann, Friedrich

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486428044 ISBN 13: 9780486428048

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2003

Synopsis

This enlightening survey of mathematical concept formation holds a natural appeal to philosophically minded readers, and no formal training in mathematics is necessary to appreciate its clear exposition of mathematic fundamentals. Rather than a system of theorems with completely developed proofs or examples of applications, readers will encounter a coherent presentation of mathematical ideas that begins with the natural numbers and basic laws of arithmetic and progresses to the problems of the real-number continuum and concepts of the calculus.
Contents include examinations of the various types of numbers and a criticism of the extension of numbers; arithmetic, geometry, and the rigorous construction of the theory of integers; the rational numbers, the foundation of the arithmetic of natural numbers, and the rigorous construction of elementary arithmetic. Advanced topics encompass the principle of complete induction; the limit and point of accumulation; operating with sequences and differential quotient; remarkable curves; real numbers and ultrareal numbers; and complex and hypercomplex numbers.
In issues of mathematical philosophy, the author explores basic theoretical differences that have been a source of debate among the most prominent scholars and on which contemporary mathematicians remain divided. "With exceptional clarity, but with no evasion of essential ideas, the author outlines the fundamental structure of mathematics." — Carl B. Boyer, Brooklyn College. 27 figures. Index.

About this title

About the Author

Brian McGuinness is now Professor of the History of Philosophy at Siena. Past publications include the translation of Wittgenstein's "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus" (with David Pears) and "A Life of Wittegenstein" (Volume 1, "Young Ludwig," 1988). George Henrik von Wright was a pupil and friend of Wittgenstein and succeeded him as Professor of Philosophy at Cambridge. He has since been President of the National Academy in his native Finland. He is one of the trustees to the Wittgenstein estate, and responsible for many of the posthumous publications of Wittgensteins writings.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0486428044
• ISBN 13: 9780486428048
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 272