The Moment of Proof

The Moment of Proof PDF Author: Donald C. Benson
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198027745
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 342

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Book Description
When Archimedes, while bathing, suddenly hit upon the principle of buoyancy, he ran wildly through the streets of Syracuse, stark naked, crying "eureka!" In The Moment of Proof, Donald Benson attempts to convey to general readers the feeling of eureka--the joy of discovery--that mathematicians feel when they first encounter an elegant proof. This is not an introduction to mathematics so much as an introduction to the pleasures of mathematical thinking. And indeed the delights of this book are many and varied. The book is packed with intriguing conundrums--Loyd's Fifteen Puzzle, the Petersburg Paradox, the Chaos Game, the Monty Hall Problem, the Prisoners' Dilemma--as well as many mathematical curiosities. We learn how to perform the arithmetical proof called "casting out nines" and are introduced to Russian peasant multiplication, a bizarre way to multiply numbers that actually works. The book shows us how to calculate the number of ways a chef can combine ten or fewer spices to flavor his soup (1,024) and how many people we would have to gather in a room to have a 50-50 chance of two having the same birthday (23 people). But most important, Benson takes us step by step through these many mathematical wonders, so that we arrive at the solution much the way a working scientist would--and with much the same feeling of surprise. Every fan of mathematical puzzles will be enthralled by The Moment of Proof. Indeed, anyone interested in mathematics or in scientific discovery in general will want to own this book.

The Moment of Proof

The Moment of Proof PDF Author: Donald C. Benson
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198027745
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 342

Get Book

Book Description
When Archimedes, while bathing, suddenly hit upon the principle of buoyancy, he ran wildly through the streets of Syracuse, stark naked, crying "eureka!" In The Moment of Proof, Donald Benson attempts to convey to general readers the feeling of eureka--the joy of discovery--that mathematicians feel when they first encounter an elegant proof. This is not an introduction to mathematics so much as an introduction to the pleasures of mathematical thinking. And indeed the delights of this book are many and varied. The book is packed with intriguing conundrums--Loyd's Fifteen Puzzle, the Petersburg Paradox, the Chaos Game, the Monty Hall Problem, the Prisoners' Dilemma--as well as many mathematical curiosities. We learn how to perform the arithmetical proof called "casting out nines" and are introduced to Russian peasant multiplication, a bizarre way to multiply numbers that actually works. The book shows us how to calculate the number of ways a chef can combine ten or fewer spices to flavor his soup (1,024) and how many people we would have to gather in a room to have a 50-50 chance of two having the same birthday (23 people). But most important, Benson takes us step by step through these many mathematical wonders, so that we arrive at the solution much the way a working scientist would--and with much the same feeling of surprise. Every fan of mathematical puzzles will be enthralled by The Moment of Proof. Indeed, anyone interested in mathematics or in scientific discovery in general will want to own this book.

The Moment of Proof

The Moment of Proof PDF Author: Donald C. Benson
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 9780195139198
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 346

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Book Description
A brilliant introduction to the pleasures of mathematical thinking, this book attempts to convey to general readers the feeling of eureka--the joy of discovery--that mathematicians feel when they first encounter an elegant truth. 92 line illustrations.

The Shape of Ancient Thought

The Shape of Ancient Thought PDF Author: Thomas McEvilley
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1581159331
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 1015

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Book Description
Spanning thirty years of intensive research, this book proves what many scholars could not explain: that today’s Western world must be considered the product of both Greek and Indian thought—Western and Eastern philosophies. Thomas McEvilley explores how trade, imperialism, and migration currents allowed cultural philosophies to intermingle freely throughout India, Egypt, Greece, and the ancient Near East. This groundbreaking reference will stir relentless debate among philosophers, art historians, and students.

Secrets of the Paradox

Secrets of the Paradox PDF Author: Micheal D. Winterburn
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 1783060263
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
Far from merely recycling what we already know about certain paradoxes, this book breaks entirely new ground by providing what everyone really wants: solutions. The king of all paradoxes is the Liar ('This statement is false.' If it is true, it is false; if it is false, it is true), which in its earliest form is over two and a half thousand years old. Throughout all this time it has resisted every attempt to fully understand it. This work finally unlocks the secrets of the Liar, exposing principles, patterns and formulae that have long lain hidden. Several other important paradoxes also come under the logical searchlight and they too surrender their treasures. Though paradoxes are inherently difficult, this book approaches them in a clear and entertaining manner, using plain English. Secrets of the Paradox is written for the general reader, yet is sufficiently rigorous to satisfy the demands of the professional philosopher. If you relish an intellectual challenge, this book is for you!

Register and Catalogue

Register and Catalogue PDF Author: Cornell University
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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The Register

The Register PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 614

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Cornell University Register and Catalogue

Cornell University Register and Catalogue PDF Author: Cornell University
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 1012

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Theoretical Mechanics

Theoretical Mechanics PDF Author: Julius Ludwig Weisbach
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Mechanical engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1172

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Mechanics of Engineering

Mechanics of Engineering PDF Author: Julius Weisbach
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Mechanical engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1134

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Book Description


The Burdens of Proof

The Burdens of Proof PDF Author: Dale A. Nance
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1316539032
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 345

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Book Description
Adjudicative tribunals in both criminal and non-criminal cases rely on the concept of the 'burden of proof' to resolve uncertainty about facts. Perhaps surprisingly, this concept remains clouded and deeply controversial. Written by an internationally renowned scholar, this book explores contemporary thinking on the evidential requirements that are critical for all practical decision-making, including adjudication. Although the idea that evidence must favor one side over the other to a specified degree, such as 'beyond reasonable doubt', is familiar, less well-understood is an idea associated with the work of John Maynard Keynes, namely that there are requirements on the total amount of evidence considered to decide the case. The author expertly explores this distinct Keynesian concept and its implications. Hypothetical examples and litigated cases are included to assist understanding of the ideas developed. Implications include an expanded conception of the burden of producing evidence and how it should be administered.