Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge
Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge is a 1985 book by Morris Kline about the role of mathematics when understanding of the physical world. It is preceded by Kline's work, Mathematics: The Loss of Certainty.
.jpg.webp) | |
| Author | Morris Kline |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
Publication date | 1985 |
| ISBN | 0-19-503533-X |
| Preceded by | Mathematics: The Loss of Certainty |
In the book, Kline gives an outline of the development of physics, from ancient Greek astronomy to modern physics. He explains that modern physics (consisting of theories such as electromagnetism, relativity and quantum mechanics) differs from previous theories such as Newtonian mechanics in being purely mathematical models without any intuitive ways of being visualized. Further, unlike sensory perception, modern theories have provided predictions that have been verified and are immune to sensory illusions. Thus, Kline argues that it is mathematics that provides a true understanding of physical reality, rather than our senses.
Bibliography
- Calinger, Ronald L. (1990). "Review of Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge". Isis. 81 (1): 87–88. doi:10.1086/355257. JSTOR 234091.
- Hersh, Reuben (March 1987). "Review of Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge". The American Mathematical Monthly. 94 (3): 314–315. doi:10.2307/2323410. JSTOR 2323410.
- Peak, Philip (September 1987). "Review of Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge (L, P)". The Mathematics Teacher. 80 (6): 496. JSTOR 27965470.