Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge

Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge

Author	Morris Kline
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Publication date	1985
ISBN	0-19-503533-X
Preceded by	Mathematics: The Loss of Certainty

Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge is a 1985 book by Morris Kline about the role of mathematics in understanding physical reality. It is preceded by Kline's work, Mathematics: The Loss of Certainty.

In the book, Kline gives an outline of the development of physics, beginning from ancient Greek astronomy. He explains that modern physics (consisting of theories such as electromagnetism, relativity and quantum mechanics) differs from previous fields such as Newtonian mechanics in that it consists of purely mathematical models that cannot be intuitively visualized. Further, unlike sensory perception, modern theories have provided predictions that have been verified and are immune to sensory illusions. Thus, Kline argues that it is mathematics that provides a true understanding of physical reality, rather than our senses.

Bibliography

• Calinger, Ronald L. (1990). "Review of Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge". Isis. 81 (1): 87–88. doi:10.1086/355257. JSTOR 234091.
• Hersh, Reuben (March 1987). "Review of Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge". The American Mathematical Monthly. 94 (3): 314–315. doi:10.2307/2323410. JSTOR 2323410.
• Peak, Philip (September 1987). "Review of Mathematics and the Search for Knowledge (L, P)". The Mathematics Teacher. 80 (6): 496. JSTOR 27965470.