B&W Illustrations; This book is in Near Fine condition and has a Very Good+ dust jacket. The book and its contents are in clean, bright condition. The text pages are clean and bright. The dust jacket is mostly clean and bright, but has some light generalized toning to the white portions. "The Philip K. Dick Award is an American science fiction award given annually at Norwescon and sponsored by the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society and (since 2005) the Philip K. Dick Trust. Named after science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, it has been awarded since 1983, the year after his death. It is awarded to the best original paperback published each year in the US." (from Wikipedia).

Seller Inventory # A51818

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: Mind Tools The Five Levels of Mathematical Reality
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin, New York, NY
Publication Date: 1987
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0395383153
ISBN 13: 9780395383155
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Edition; 1st Printing.
Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good+

About this title

Synopsis

From mathematics and computers to insights into the workings of the human mind, Mind Tools is a reflection of the latest intelligence from the frontiers of mathematical thought. Illuminated by more than 100 drawings, Mind Tools connects mathematics to the world around us. It reveals that the great power of mathematics comes from the fact that it serves as an alternative language for understanding things -- from one's hand to the size of infinity. Exploring such concepts as digital versus analog processes, logic as a computing tool, and communication as information transmission, Rudy Rucker presents the "mind tools" for a postmodern age.

Reviews

Number, space, logic, infinitythese basic patterns seem to reflect essential features of our minds and of the world around us. By analyzing each of these building blocks from the standpoint of information (reduction of uncertainty), Rucker takes the uninitiated reader deep inside the world of modern mathematics. He moves from patterns in bathroom tiles to cellular automata or machines that can reproduce themselves. Sections cover the new science of fractals (fragmented, real-world shapes) and catastrophe theory, which deals with abrupt change. Mathematician David Hilbert's futile search for an all-encompassing mathematical system leads Rucker to navigate the shoals of symbolic logic, Godel's Incompleteness Theorem and Turing machines. The author's previous books include Infinity and the Mind and Software, science fiction about artificial intelligence.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

There have been many books written about mathematics for the nonmathematician. This one focuses on the most recent areas of mathematical research that are most closely related to the areas of computer science and artificial intelligence. Among the topics treated are fractals, logic, complexity, computability, and information theory. The subtlety of these fields requires the reader to bring a fairly solid background to the book. Rucker makes a good try at making these ideas simple and intuitive but some sections remain conceptually very difficult. On balance, this is a good book about modern mathematics for the informed reader willing to put in some mental effort. Harold D. Shane, Mathematics Dept., Baruch Coll., CUNY
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

S. Howlett-West Books was established in 1996, but the owner, Stephanie has been in the book business for over 25 years. Besides her full time work as a book dealer/compiler of price guides, she writes articles on the subject of Science Fiction for several trade magazines. She is a collector and reader of first edition science fiction in her spare time.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

S. Howlett-West Books (Member ABAA)
CA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

S. Howlett-West Books
2109 Spring Oak Ct
Modesto, CA, 95355 (209)491-2365 email: showlettwestbooks@sbcglobal.net
owner: Stephanie Howlett-West

Gladly accepting checks,
money orders and VISA,
MASTERCARD,AMEX, DISCOVER and Pay Pal . Two week returns for any reason with prior notification.
Email preferred, or leave message on answering machine. We check messages at least twice a day. Always buying individual titles or collections.
Please contact us for details.

Currently no longer shipping internat...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Media Mail shipping is $5.00 for the first book & 2.00 for each additional book, or Priority rate shipping or Fed Ex for $7.00 for the first book & $2.50 for each additional title. All books mailed with care and in most cases will include automatic delivery confirmation for tracking ability.

Currently no longer shipping internationally via ABEBooks.com (if you'd like international shipping you can find my account at Biblio.com or on Ebay.com and use the consolidated shipping options)

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	3 to 8 business days	2 to 4 business days
First item	US$ 5.50	US$ 10.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.