Basic Discrete Mathematics: Logic, Set Theory, and Probability

This lively introductory text exposes the student in the humanities to the world of discrete mathematics. A problem-solving based approach grounded in the ideas of George Pólya are at the heart of this book. Students learn to handle and solve new problems on their own. A straightforward, clear writing style and well-crafted examples with diagrams invite the students to develop into precise and critical thinkers. Particular attention has been given to the material that some students find challenging, such as proofs. This book illustrates how to spot invalid arguments, to enumerate possibilities, and to construct probabilities. It also presents case studies to students about the possible detrimental effects of ignoring these basic principles. The book is invaluable for a discrete and finite mathematics course at the freshman undergraduate level or for self-study since there are full solutions to the exercises in an appendix.

"Written with clarity, humor and relevant real-world examples, Basic Discrete Mathematics is a wonderful introduction to discrete mathematical reasoning." - Arthur Benjamin, Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, and author of The Magic of Math

"It is an excellent general basic textbook in Discrete Mathematics and Probability. This book's raison d'être is to provide a hands-on textbook with enough pictures and diagrams to appeal to visual learners and make logic, set theory and probability more accessible. This book would be a welcome study for someone who is interested in the mathematical concepts of set theory, logic and probability. It is both entertaining and informative, while still keeping sufficient mathematical rigor."
London Mathematical Society Newsletter

"A particular strength of the book is the wide range of questions supplied, together with full answers and discussion ... The enthusiasm and readability of the writing are welcome, especially for self-study. Instructors might well like to get hold of a copy in order to cherry-pick extension questions as well as to extend their theoretical or historical knowledge, while the chapters on formal and symbolic logic provide a good introduction to a topic covered by no elementary school mathematics texts known to me."
Mathematical Gazette