Mathematical Reasoning - 9781138980587

Taylor & Francis

Mathematical ReasoningPatterns, Problems, Conjectures, and Proofs\nAuthor(s): Raymond Nickerson\nFormat: Paperback\nPublisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd, United Kingdom\nImprint: Psychology Press Ltd\nISBN-13: 9781138980587, 978-1138980587\nSynopsis\nThe development of mathematical competence -- both by humans as a species over millennia and by individuals over their lifetimes -- is a fascinating aspect of human cognition.\n\nThis book explores when and why the rudiments of mathematical capability first appeared among human beings, what its fundamental concepts are, and how and why it has grown into the richly branching complex of specialties that it is today. It discusses whether the truths of mathematics are discoveries or inventions, and what prompts the emergence of concepts that appear to be descriptive of nothing in human experience. Also covered is the role of esthetics in mathematics: What exactly are mathematicians seeing when they describe a mathematical entity as beautiful?.