Bibliograph

Mathematics for human flourishing, Francis Su ; with reflections by Christopher Jackson

Type

Label

Mathematics for human flourishing, Francis Su ; with reflections by Christopher Jackson

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Mathematics for human flourishing

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

1090441053

Responsibility statement

Francis Su ; with reflections by Christopher Jackson

Summary

An inclusive vision of mathematics-its beauty, its humanity, and its power to build virtues that help us all flourish. For mathematician Francis Su, a society without mathematical affection is like a city without museums. To miss out on mathematics is to live without experiencing some of humanity's most beautiful ideas. In this profound book, written for a diverse audience but especially for those disenchanted by their past experiences, an award-winning mathematician and educator weaves personal reflections, puzzles, and stories to show how mathematics meets basic human desires and cultivates virtues essential for human flourishing. Readers will explore mathematical concepts-and see how mathematical thinking can even fulfill such longings as for love, play, freedom, justice, and community. Some lessons come from those who have struggled, including philosopher Simone Weil, whose own mathematical contributions were overshadowed by her brother's, and Christopher Jackson, who discovered mathematics as an inmate in a federal prison. Christopher Jackson's letters to the author appear throughout the book and show how this intellectual pursuit can-and must-be open to all

Table Of Contents

1 flourishing -- 2 exploration -- 3 meaning -- 4 play -- 5 beauty -- 6 permanence -- 7 truth -- 8 struggle -- 9 power -- 10 justice -- 11 freedom -- 12 community -- 13 love

Classification