1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910790052703321

Autore

Nickerson Raymond S.

Titolo

Mathematical reasoning : patterns, problems, conjectures, and proofs / / Raymond S. Nickerson

Pubbl/distr/stampa

New York : , : Psychology Press, , 2010

ISBN

1-136-94538-5

1-283-10585-3

9786613105851

1-136-94539-3

0-203-84802-0

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (597 p.)

Classificazione

SK 110

Disciplina

510.1/9

Soggetti

Mathematical analysis

Reasoning

Logic, Symbolic and mathematical

Problem solving

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Nota di contenuto

Cover; Mathematical Reasoning: Patterns, problems, conjectures, and proofs; Copyright; Contents; The Author; Preface; 1. What Is Mathematics?; 2. Counting; 3. Numbers; 4. Deduction and Abstraction; 5. Proofs; 6. Informal Reasoning in Mathematics; 7. Representation in Mathematics; 8. Infinity; 9. Infinitesimals; 10. Predilections, Presumptions, and Personalities; 11. Esthetics and the Joys of Mathematics; 12. The Usefulness of Mathematics; 13. Foundations and the "Stuff" of Mathematics; 14. Preschool Development of Numerical and Mathematical Skills; 15. Mathematics in School

16. Mathematical Problem Solving17. Final Thoughts; References; Appendix: Notable (Deceased) Mathematicians, Logicians, Philosophers, and Scientists Mentioned in the Text; Author Index; Subject Index

Sommario/riassunto

"This 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"? There is discussion of whether mathematical disability is distinguishable from a general cognitive deficit and whether the potential for mathematical reasoning is best developed through instruction." "This volume is unique in the vast range of psychological questions it covers, as revealed in the work habits and products of numerous mathematicians. It provides fascinating reading for researchers and students with an interest in cognition in general and mathematical cognition in particular. Instructors of mathematics will also find the book's insights illuminating."--BOOK JACKET.