Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge

Book Description

In this book Kline examines the development of mathematics as our most powerful instrument for exploring the physical world. He probes our existing world of mathematics and illuminates its workings as a science enabling us to penetrate the secrets of the world's natural phenomena.

Customer Reviews:

Great "Philosophy of Science" book.......2005-09-13

This is by far one of the best science books for the layman I have ever read, and I enjoyed reading it. I especially liked the discussions of the cultural context inwhich Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton worked. The break that Copernicus made with common sense AND religous dogma is so great as to boggle the mind even today. And Kepler's determination that the Earth's orbit is an ellipse, again defies belief, since it was done before calculus was invented, or the law of Gravity determined.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good science read.

A fine introduction, but..........2004-12-18

This is a good, basic introduction to the history of math, but its promise of engaging philosophical issues falls short. It's not until Chapter XII that Kline really engages the philsophy of mathematics, but then attempts to cover a lot of ground in a short span, and the distinctions and groupings Kline forms of different thinkers' conceptions of mathematics leads to strange bedfellows; particularly Kline's claim that Wittgenstein is basically a mathematical empiricist and yet believes that mathematics is a human creation. To my mind there's an inherent contradiction there. Most bothersome, however is the almost entire lack of proper footnotes. Some of the most interesting quotes will be difficult (if not impossible) to find b/c Kline only tells us the author of the quote and oftentimes doesn't even include the author in the bibliography! In particular I'm thinking of a fascinating quote from Evariste Galois - Kline gives no indication of where I can find it! Still, I have to give this book a 4 just b/c it's a good introduction that reads rather quickly.

An excellent history of both Mathematics and Physics.......2003-05-29

By reading this short book, you will absorb a good foundation in both Mathematics and Physics. You will also acquire an infinite respect for Newton, Maxwell, and Einstein. In all cases, these geniuses developed theories regarding natural phenomena that often could not so readily be observed (if at all).

Excellent, esp. for non-mathematicians (like me!).......1999-12-01

Morris Kline's thesis in this extraordinary book is stated clearly in the final words of his preface, and then presented through a historical survey throughout. Here are the key words, "Contrary to the impression students acquire in school, mathematics is not just a series of techniques. Mathematics tells us what we have never known or even suspected about notable phenomena and in some instances even contradicts perception. It is the essence of our knowledge of the physical world. It not only transcends perception but outclasses it."

As far as I'm concerned, Kline makes his case. And I am one of those who received the erroneous impression in school that he mentions -- of course, I never managed to pay much attention in math classes, but that was only partially my fault.

Customer Reviews:

Great book (Nobel Prize not revoked).......2007-08-12

A great book by a great writer. however Konrad Lorenz Nobel Prize was never revoked. The prize can not be revoked. (www.aftenposten.no/english/world/article327396.ece) This is an urban legend.

Absolutely brilliant.......2006-06-12

I have been a great admirer of Konrad Lorenz's works for many years and this book is one of his finest.

Some of his works are written more for the lay audience and are full of wonderful animal stories. Some are more scientific-- and when tranlated from the rigorous scientific German in which they were written-- are not quick and easy reads. That said, the reader who is willing to engage with the great intellect on display here will be greatly rewarded.

PS: Regarding the prior review, I did not know his Nobel was revoked. What was the reason?

Essential! Order this book so it gets back in print soon!.......2001-02-20

Konrad Lorenz hasn't recieved the praise his mind deserves. All political leanings aside--he had a nobel prize awarded and revoked--he is a brilliant thinker with essential theories on zoology and the meaning of life. This book outlines some of his early work with animal behavior. His work with ducks and geese and imprinting is phenomenal. It's amazing how thorough this man studied so many different creatures. And what's more is he never interfered with their habitats, he only observed what they would do without human tampering. In some ways he was an early conservationist and environmentalist.

To understand the implications of animal behavior for our own lives and what it means to the way we think, act and are, you must read this book. Lorenz should be up there right under Darwin in importance.

Unfortunately, this book is hard to find. I have a very old copy that I am lucky to find. Here I see it says that it's out of print. Please order this book. You will not be let down. And meanwhile you will help create demand for a book that should be on the shelves of all the bookstores both cyber and corporeal.

When the Sky Fell: In Search of Atlantis
Average customer rating:

Very clear and interesting reading

The best "Where could Atlantis be" book...

Interesting Book

Seems pretty good but...

Where is Atlantis

When the Sky Fell: In Search of Atlantis
Rand Flem-Ath , and Rose Flem-Ath
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Science | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Maps of the Ancient Sea Kings: Evidence of Advanced Civilization in the Ice Age

The Path of the Pole

The Atlantis Blueprint: Unlocking the Ancient Mysteries of a Long-Lost Civilization

Technology of the Gods: The Incredible Sciences of the Ancients

Fingerprints of the Gods

ASIN: 0312964013

Book Description

The mystery of Atlantis the legendary advanced civilization described in ancient texts, has been solved at last. Scientific evidence, exciting new research, and the breakthrough discovery of an amazing Egyptian map prove without a doubt that this lost continent did exist....and reveal where its ruins can be found.But the fascinating truth about Atlantis also leads to a chilling conclusion about the environmental catastrophe that destroyed it. Now you can find out how the forces that shattered the first great civilization on Earth can happen again, bringing the end of the world to us all!

Customer Reviews:

Very clear and interesting reading.......2007-09-10

If the topic is interesting to you then this book is one-day-and-night-reading. As soon as you start you can not put away before you finish.

We usually assume that it has been always like now, or at least that we can use the similar logic as we use now for understanding the history. There is always the background system we have to use when making opinion about new information.
For a moment just forget about the name "Atlantis" and use instead some other termin for example "The old island motherland" or something :) I mean there is too much emotions connected to the termin "Atlantis" that distracts us from the reading. Just try it.

I personally got very much information connecting different pieces to the overall image about our global history. I am grateful for this.

I take the responsibility to recommend you this book, strongly.
Thank you for atention.

The best "Where could Atlantis be" book..........2006-09-28

It looks like a cheap paperback novel,
but the argued premises for Atlantis
and where it was (is) located is
is beautifully presented.
I have read this book twice and it holds
to the same convincing information
that it had the first time I read it.
I would love to see a new edition come
out with more information plus pictures
and drawings.

Interesting Book.......2006-07-02

This book has a few errors in it, but on the whole it has very interesting ideas in it and is a very interesting read.

Seems pretty good but..........2006-03-29

I am completely shallow in some things, I understand this. I have no problem with the actual content of the book, it is a pretty good read. However, I was disappointed when I received the book because it looks so...insignificant. I don't know if it is because it is paperback, or so small, but it just doesn't look like the quality of book I like. The paper is bad, the pages are a bit yellow, and the cover is totally boring. The book itself, I would recommend, but for crazy people like me who like to have pretty books too, I would recommend looking for a different version, because this one is unimpressive...just because of that, don't overlook its quality in content, but still.

Where is Atlantis.......2006-03-19

Very interesting, you can not stop reading till you are finished with the book.

Data Analysis, Classification and the Forward Search: Proceedings of the Meeting of the Classification and Data Analysis Group (CLADAG) of the Italian ... Data Analysis, and Knowledge Organization)

Average customer rating:

Data Analysis, Classification and the Forward Search: Proceedings of the Meeting of the Classification and Data Analysis Group (CLADAG) of the Italian ... Data Analysis, and Knowledge Organization)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Data Mining | Databases | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Databases | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The book presents new developments in data analysis, classification and multivariate statistics, and in their algorithmic implementation. The more methodologically oriented reader will find contributions to the theory of clustering and discrimination, multidimensional data analysis, data mining, and robust statistics with a special emphasis on the novel Forward Search approach. Many papers also provide significant contributions in a wide range of fields of application. Customer satisfaction and service evaluation are two examples of such emerging fields.

The Fire in the Equations: Science, Religion, and the Search for God

Average customer rating:

A book worth reading
Nice try, but misses the boat
An AMAZING book about Quantum Physics and God
Senator Advocate Geoffrey's Review
Well-balanced, layman's guide to science and faith.

The Fire in the Equations: Science, Religion, and the Search for God
Kitty Ferguson
Manufacturer: Eerdmans Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Science & Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Measuring the Universe: Our Historic Quest to Chart the horizons of Space and Time
Tycho & Kepler
When Science Meets Religion: Enemies, Strangers, or Partners?
The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason
The God Delusion

ASIN: 0802838057

Customer Reviews:

A book worth reading.......2002-09-14

This Book does a great job showing the conflicts and the harmony between science an religion. This book really is fair and as balanced as it's going to get on the subject. This book shows that while science is a reliable tool, you can't use it to answer every question. It also shows how you can't really use you religion or lack of it to "prove" that God does or doesn't exist.
All I ask as a engineer major is that "Is the belief in God reasonable?" I beleive so, but the use of science for proof won't be considered. Since the Big Bang has limited us to what we can know, I think that it is the question most of us show ask ourselves.
**As for what some others have said.
Since natualism is the method we use to discover things in science, then there shouldn't be any surprise when science seems atheistic.Duh, Most people relize that alot of scientific results seems to suggest otherwise. So spare the public with crap like "science supports athesim" , you must have not read the book.

Nice try, but misses the boat.......1999-11-04

Kitty Ferguson has done an admirably good job of explaining cutting-edge science to the general reader. With a few exceptions (notably the discussions of chaos theory, and misuses of Godel's theorem), the science is right. However, although she does her best, the author's agenda of promoting the viewpoint that science and religion are compatible comes through. She avoids asking the truly difficult questions, such as "If God does exist, why is all the scientific evidence consistent with atheism?" There's hardly mention of Occam's razor or even simple philosophical arguments which would have enhanced the book immensely. And while trying to argue that science and religion are compatible, she fails to explain why it is that more than 80% of physicists do not believe in God, as recent surveys have shown. Ferguson's argument comes down to "science can't absolutely prove there isn't a God, so religious belief is justified". Theists are left with an emaciated God of the Gaps devoid of substance, and no justification is given for why we shouldn't believe in several gods instead, or none at all. Books by Richard Dawkins, Steven Hawking, and Peter Atkins should be read in conjunction with this book as a corrective.

An AMAZING book about Quantum Physics and God.......1999-01-30

This book is fairly deep and it will take a fair bit of concentration to understand the concepts it's talking about but the insight recieved is well worth the effort. It clearly explains the fairly complex theories of quantum physics and looks at how a creator (God) can fit into it all. Kitty is very fair and logical in her look at the arguments and just when you think she's won the argument for one "side" she throws a spanner in the works and does a back flip with a new piece of information.

I really enjoyed this book because it helped me to understand different theories of the begining of time and the Universe. It has a lot of philosophy which I also enjoyed. I love astronomy, physics, reading, logic and God. This book combines all these ingredients well. You will look at the Universe in a whole different way after reading The Fire in the Equations.

Senator Advocate Geoffrey's Review.......1998-12-13

A brilliant tour de review and outstanding integration of science, religion, philosophy and personal inferences.

This is a highly thought provoking book. The author fearlessly asks some brave questions and digs deeper into the oceans of ignorance surrounding science. All the stuff you thought you once knew is suddenly turned upside down.

This book is the book the World has been waiting for. Not only has this book been reviewed and proof checked by a considerable amount of experts and members of the general public, but the author demonstrates that she is actually thinking about what she was saying, instead of just being dogmatic. She has also done a considerable amount of homework and talking to people. This is exactly what we need and I encourage this from more authors. There is lots of useful stuff in this book.

Both believers and non believers can come to a common place of understanding and communicate freely without any conflict whatsoever. All truth is one whether or not we get it from the test-tube or from The Bible. Well done Kitty. Brilliant job.

Well-balanced, layman's guide to science and faith........1998-10-24

Kitty Ferguson has taken on an enormous task, attempting to write an objective study of what place--if any--faith in a Judeo-Christian God has in a serious study of science. The book begins with a detailed analysis of epistemology and then sets up increasingly personal and interfering gods against other cosmologies to see where conflicts and inconsistencies crop up. She does such a good job, in fact, that her viewpoint is left quite debateable.

The Joy of the Search for Knowledge: A Tribute to Professor Dan Tsui

Average customer rating:

The Joy of the Search for Knowledge: A Tribute to Professor Dan Tsui

Manufacturer: World Scientific Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Learning Search Control Knowledge: An Explanation-Based Approach (The International Series in Engineering and Computer Science)

Average customer rating:

Learning Search Control Knowledge: An Explanation-Based Approach (The International Series in Engineering and Computer Science)
Steven Minton
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0898382947

Average customer rating:

Classic metaheuristic book

Modern Heuristic Search Methods

Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Statistics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Manager's Guides to Computing | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

How to Solve It: Modern Heuristics

ASIN: 0471962805

Book Description

Including contributions from leading experts in the field, this book covers applications and developments of heuristic search methods for solving complex optimization problems. The book covers various local search strategies including genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, tabu search and hybrids thereof. These methods have proved extraordinarily successful by solving some of the most difficult, real-world problems. At the interface between Artificial Intelligence and Operational Research, research in this exciting area is progressing apace spurred on by the needs of industry and commerce. The introductory chapter provides a clear overview of the basic techniques and useful pointers to further reading and to current research. The second section of the book covers some of the most recent and exciting developments of the basic techniques, with suggestions not only for extending and improving these but also for hybridizing and incorporating automatic adaption. The third section contains a number of case studies, surveys and comparative studies which span a wide range of application areas ranging from the classic Steiner tree problem to more practical problems arising in telecommunications and data analysis. The coverage of the latest research and the illustrative case studies will ensure that the book is invaluable for researchers and professionals with an interest in heuristic search methods.

Customer Reviews:

Classic metaheuristic book.......2001-09-16

This is the classic textbook on metaheuristics. Although there are two other books, this book is small (not thick) enough to finish by a month or less. However, it can't be judge by the book size. This book is comprehensive for its content. I personally like the first chapter for its genuine introduction. THe author (Reeves) requires no background to read the first chapter -as I let my girlfriend reads it with no difficulty. The definition and short history of "heuristics" made the first chapter is very interesting. For other chapters, the metaheuristics are well described. The good thing about the book is, you will read the same format through out the book. Therefore, you can make comparison for each metaheuristics without any problem. This is the well-done book.

Reasoning, Action and Interaction in AI Theories and Systems: Essays Dedicated to Luigia Carlucci Aiello (Lecture Notes in Computer Science)

Average customer rating:

Reasoning, Action and Interaction in AI Theories and Systems: Essays Dedicated to Luigia Carlucci Aiello (Lecture Notes in Computer Science)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The present book is a festschrift in honor of Luigia Carlucci Aiello.

The 18 articles included are written by former students, friends, and international colleagues, who have cooperated with Luigia Carlucci Aiello, scientifically or in AI boards or committees. The contributions by reputed researchers span a wide range of AI topics and reflect the breadth and depth of Aiello's own work.

The Search for Mind: A New Foundation for Cognitive Science

Average customer rating:

The Search for Mind: A New Foundation for Cognitive Science
Sean O Nuallain
Manufacturer: Intellect (UK)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Consciousness & Thought | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Cognitive | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

Cognitive Psychology | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The degree to which cognitive science can aspire to be the science of mind is a difficult issue. Proposing an integrated approach to cognitive science,this book is a revised edition to meet the newest developments of this rapidly changing field.

Reconstructing cognitive science in a presuppositionless way, the first part includes clear introductions to the disciplines which traditionally are seen to constitute cognitive science. From this analysis, a framework emerges in which such issues as the relation between symbolic and subsymbolic cognition and the interrelation of context, situated cognition and the structure of language are resolved.

The second part of the book focuses on the nature of symbol systems, considered generically, before going on to detail a theory of consciousness and selfhood. Finally, these strands are woven together in a new theory of cognition and its development. It is concluded that a science that fully attempts to treat cognition must remain au fait with the findings from all other approaches to the study of mind, ranging from the purely behaviorist to the purely experiential.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books