Loving + Hating Mathematics: Challenging the Myths of Mathematical Life

Citation

Hutton, D.M. (2012), "Loving + Hating Mathematics: Challenging the Myths of Mathematical Life", Kybernetes, Vol. 41 No. 3/4. https://doi.org/10.1108/k.2012.06741caa.007

Loving + Hating Mathematics: Challenging the Myths of Mathematical Life

Article Type: Book reviews and reports From: Kybernetes, Volume 41, Issue 3/4

Reuben Hersh and Vera John-Syeiner,Princeton University Press,Princeton, NJ,2011,428 pp.,£20.95 (hardback),ISBN: 978-0-691-14247-0

Keywords: Cybernetics, Mathematics, Mathematical Research

It seemed debatable whether this book was suitable for a review in this journal. Mathematics, however, is a key constituent of any scientific study and cybernetics, systems and management science, the remit of this journal is no exception. There is a great deal to be learnt from this text about mathematics and, more importantly about mathematicians.

The books front cover is itself intriguing since it shows two young boys facing what appears to be a challenge cup. The reader it seems is invited to interpret this situation in their own way. Certainly after reading it they will change their minds. The authors’ choice of the title for the book clearly sets out their intention of challenging some of the myths of mathematical life. They base their choice on numerous quite fascinating examples taken from the lives of well-known mathematicians. They select four myths and seek to dispel them. They are:

1. 1.

   Mathematicians, are different from other people, lacking emotional complexity.

2. 2.

   Mathematics is a solitary pursuit.

3. 3.

   Mathematics is a young man’s game.

4. 4.

   Mathematics is an effective filter for higher education.

To do this they look at the lives of many of the mathematicians who are well-known, and also some who are not. By repeating anecdotal evidence they present their case. It is surprising, however, that as mathematicians their arguments are not as reasoned or logical as I am sure they would expect their mathematical proofs and solutions to be. But perhaps that was the whole point of their case that is to show that mathematicians are not best placed to examine the lives of their fellows. Although, of course, one of the authors was a Professor of Linguistics and Education at the University of New Mexico.

Even so, the book is well written and commands the reader’s attention because it puts together so many interesting sketches of a mathematician’s life pattern so that the reader has the opportunity to decide whether the many established myths about mathematicians are in any way justified. It does enable us to look into the minds and manners of many mathematicians who we only know about because of their contribution to fields of research and development in the subject.

Does the evidence presented really dispel the initially posed four myths? The reader can decide, but only after perusing the 428 pages of the authors captivating text.

D.M. HuttonNorbert Wiener Institute, Wales, UK