What Is Mathematics?

Reviews / Votes

Still a book that all prospective mathematics teachers should read and experience. A rare book that has retained its "freshness" and readability for more than 50 years....Very readable. * Stephen Krulik, Temple University * It is a work of high perfection, whether judged by aesthetic, pedagogical or scientific standards. It is astonishing to what extent What is Mathematics? has succeeded in making clear by means of the simplest examples all the fundamental ideas and methods which we mathematicians consider the life blood of our science. * Herman Weyl * This is not a book in philosophy; but there are probably few philosophers who can not gain instruction and clarification from it. It succeeds brilliantly in conveying the intellectual excitement of mathematical inquiry and in communicating the essential ideas and methods."Journal of Philosophy This book is a work of art. * Marston Morse * It contains an excellent selection of material for students who have no desire to develop mathematical skills but who may be willing to look briefly into this field of intellectual activity....For the inquiring student who wishes to know what real mathematics is about, or for the trained engineer or physicist who has some interest in the justification of procedures he uses, it should prove a source of great pleasure and satisfaction. * Journal of Applied Physics * A work of extraordinary perfection. * Mathematical Reviews * Without doubt, the work will have great influence. It should be in the hands of everyone, professional or otherwise, who is interested in scientific thinking. * The New York Times * A lucid representation of the fundamental concepts and methods of the whole field of mathematics. It is an easily understandable introduction for the layman and helps to give the mathematical student a general view of the basic principles and methods. * Albert Einstein * A great book. * Ludwig Otto, Paul Quinn College * Can...be read with great profit by anyone desiring general mathematical literacy. * Mathematics Abstracts *