''The Mathematical Experience'' (1981) is a book by
Philip J. Davis and
Reuben Hersh that discusses the practice of modern
mathematics
Mathematics is an area of knowledge that includes the topics of numbers, formulas and related structures, shapes and the spaces in which they are contained, and quantities and their changes. These topics are represented in modern mathematics ...
from a
historical
History (derived ) is the systematic study and the documentation of the human activity. The time period of event before the invention of writing systems is considered prehistory. "History" is an umbrella term comprising past events as well ...
and
philosophical perspective. The book discusses the psychology of mathematicians, and gives examples of famous proofs and outstanding problems. It goes on to speculate about what a proof really means, in relationship to actual truth. Other topics include mathematics in education and some of the math that occurs in computer science.
The first paperback edition won a U.S.
National Book Award in Science.
["National Book Awards – 1983"]
National Book Foundation. Retrieved 2012-03-07.[This was the 1983 award for paperback Science.
]
From 1980 to 1983 in National Book Award history there were dual hardcover and paperback awards in most categories, and several nonfiction subcategories including General Nonfiction. Most of the paperback award-winners were reprints, including this one. It is cited by some mathematicians as influential in their decision to continue their studies in
graduate school; and has been hailed as a classic of mathematical literature.
On the other hand,
Martin Gardner disagreed with some of the authors' philosophical opinions.
A new edition, published in 1995, includes exercises and problems, making the book more suitable for classrooms. There is also ''The Companion Guide to The Mathematical Experience, Study Edition''. Both were co-authored with
Elena Marchisotto
Elena Anne Corie Marchisotto (born 1945) is a mathematician, mathematics education, mathematics educator, and history of mathematics, historian of mathematics. She is a professor emeritus of mathematics at California State University, Northridge.
...
.
[Reviews of the 1995 edition:
*
*
*
*
] Davis and Hersh wrote a follow-up book, ''Descartes' Dream: The World According to Mathematics'' (
Harcourt Harcourt may refer to:
People
*Harcourt (surname)
* Harcourt (given name)
Places
Canada
*Harcourt Parish, New Brunswick
* Harcourt, New Brunswick, an unincorporated community
* Harcourt, Ontario, a village
*Harcourt, Newfoundland and Labrad ...
, 1986), and each has written other books with related themes, such as ''Mathematics And Common Sense: A Case of Creative Tension'' by Davis and ''What is Mathematics, Really?'' by Hersh.
Notes
References
External links
Book Reviewof the 1995 edition, by Kenneth C. Millett at the
American Mathematical Society.
*
The Mathematical Experience' from the
Internet Archive
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mathematical Experience
Books about mathematics
National Book Award-winning works
1981 non-fiction books
Collaborative non-fiction books