Stefan Buijsman, philosopher of mathematics, earned his PhD at age 20. His book, Pluses and Minuses, How Math Solves Our Problems, covers several mathematical concepts in a very easy-to-read and understandable format. Many topics he reviews includes systems that we interact with everyday such as mapping the shortest route, Google searches, and Netflix movie recommendations. There are also examples of how mathematics models scientific observations and also predicts the possible existence of yet undiscovered phenomena. Most notable was Paul Dirac's prediction of the positron or anti-electron.
Another topic Buijsman writes is why early civilizations developed mathematics. Related to this topic, he also explains how certain indigenous cultures get by without having words for numbers.
I particularly liked his chapter on probability and statistics. As an instructor of statistics myself, I will use Buijsman's examples in future classes.
Publisher link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/611373/pluses-and-minuses-by-stefan-buijsman/
No comments:
Post a Comment