Letters to a Young Mathematician

Ian Stewart

Basic Books | 2006 | 224 páginas | rar - pdf | 469 kb

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Descrição: From the renowned mathematician and writer Ian Stewart, an insightful and lively exploration of why mathematics matters The first scientific entry in the acclaimed Art of Mentoring series from Basic Books, Letters to a Young Mathematician tells readers what Ian Stewart wishes he had known when he was a student and young faculty member. Subjects ranging from the philosophical to the practical--what mathematics is and why it's worth doing, the relationship between logic and proof, the role of beauty in mathematical thinking, the future of mathematics, how to deal with the peculiarities of the mathematical community, and many others--are dealt with in Stewart's much-admired style, which combines subtle, easygoing humor with a talent for cutting to the heart of the matter. In the tradition of G.H. Hardy's classic A Mathematician's Apology, this book is sure to be a perennial favorite with students at all levels, as well as with other readers who are curious about the frequently incomprehensible world of mathematics.

Contents
Preface ix
1 Why Do Math? 1
2 How I Almost Became a Lawyer 11
3 The Breadth of Mathematics 18
4 Hasn’t It All Been Done? 33
5 Surrounded by Math 45
6 How Mathematicians Think 53
7 How to Learn Math 62
8 Fear of Proofs 71
9 Can’t Computers Solve Everything? 82
10 Mathematical Storytelling 87
11 Going for the Jugular 95
12 Blockbusters 103
13 Impossible Problems 110
14 The Career Ladder 122
15 Pure or Applied? 131
16 Where Do You Get Those Crazy Ideas? 147
17 How to Teach Math 157
18 The Mathematical Community 168
19 Pigs and Pickup Trucks 178
20 Pleasures and Perils of Collaboration 188
21 Is God a Mathematician? 196