The Mind of the Mathematician

Michael Fitzgerald author Ioan James author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Johns Hopkins University Press

Published:3rd Jul '07

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Mind of the Mathematician cover

What makes mathematicians tick? How do their minds process formulas and concepts that, for most of the rest of the world's population, remain mysterious and beyond comprehension? Is there a connection between mathematical creativity and mental illness? In The Mind of the Mathematician, internationally famous mathematician Ioan James and accomplished psychiatrist Michael Fitzgerald look at the complex world of mathematics and the mind. Together they explore the behavior and personality traits that tend to fit the profile of a mathematician. They discuss mathematics and the arts, savants, gender and mathematical ability, and the impact of autism, personality disorders, and mood disorders. These topics, together with a succinct analysis of some of the great mathematical personalities of the past three centuries, combine to form an eclectic and fascinating blend of story and scientific inquiry.

The authors' careful treatments are an especially welcome addition to a genre riddled with apocryphal anecdotes and shoddy scholarship. -- Donald O'Shea Nature 2007 A fine book, providing for agreeable and easy reading. -- Michael Otte Mathematical Reviews 2008

ISBN: 9780801885877

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 21mm

Weight: 454g

196 pages