• Title: Mathematics under the Microscope: Notes on Cognitive Aspects of Mathematical Practice
• Author(s) Alexandre V. Borovik
• Publisher: American Mathematical Society (December 31, 2009); eBook (2008)
• Hardcover: 317 pages
• eBook: PDF (326 pages, 12.7 MB)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10/ASIN: 0821847619
• ISBN-13: 978-0821847619
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Book Description

The author's goal is to start a dialogue between mathematicians and cognitive scientists. He discusses, from a working mathematician's point of view, the mystery of mathematical intuition: why are certain mathematical concepts more intuitive than others? To what extent does the "small scale" structure of mathematical concepts and algorithms reflect the workings of the human brain? What are the "elementary particles" of mathematics that build up the mathematical universe?

The book is saturated with amusing examples from a wide range of disciplines - from turbulence to error-correcting codes to logic - as well as with just puzzles and brainteasers. Despite the very serious subject matter, the author's approach is lighthearted and entertaining.

This is an unusual and unusually fascinating book. Readers who never thought about mathematics after their school years will be amazed to discover how many habits of mind, ideas, and even material objects that are inherently mathematical serve as building blocks of our civilization and everyday life.

• Alexandre V. Borovik is a Professor of Pure Mathematics at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

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