Placeholder text

Go to cart

Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning: Volume II Patterns of Plausible Inference

By George Polya

Product Image: Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning: Volume II Patterns of Plausible Inference

Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning: Volume II Patterns of Plausible Inference

Only 1 item left in stock
Description
This is a guide to the practical art of plausible reasoning, particularly in mathematics but also in every field of human activity. Using mathematics as the example par excellence, Professor Polya shows how even that most rigorous deductive discipline is heavily dependent on techniques of guessing, inductive reasoning, and reasoning by analogy. In solving a problem, the answer must be guessed at before a proof can even begin, and guesses are usually made from a knowledge of facts, experience, and hunches. The truly creative mathematician must be a good guesser first and a good prover afterward; many important theorems have been guessed but not proved until much later. In the same way, solutions to problems can be guessed, and a good guesser is much more likely to find a correct solution. This work might have been called "How to Become a Good Guesser." Professor Polya's deep understanding of the psychology of creative mathematics enables him to show the reader how to attack a new problem, how to get at the heart of it, what trains of thought may lead to a solution. There is no magic formula here, but there is much practical wisdom. Volumes I and II together make a coherent work on Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning. Volume I on Induction and Analogy stands by itself as an essential book for anyone interested in mathematical reasoning. Volume II on Patterns o f Plausible Inference builds on the examples of Volume I but is not otherwise dependent on it. A more sophisticated reader with some mathematical experience will have no difficulty in reading Volume II independently, though he will probably want to read Volume I afterward. Professor Polya's earlier more elementary book How to Solve It was closely related to Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning and furnished some background for it.
Product details
Binding:
Paperback
Number of Pages:
204
Release Date:
2009-07-13
Publication Date:
2009-07-31
Publisher:
ISHI PR
Languages:
Original: English
ISBN10:
4871878341
ISBN13:
9784871878340
Weight:
304 g
Height:
152 cm
Width:
229 cm
Thickness:
12 cm

Condition

Show more

Show less
Very good
Almost no signs of wear. Book pages have no markings, accessories are intact and all other media are in good condition.
Available immediately
€16,47

Incl. VAT, plus shipping costs

PayPal
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Only 1 item left in stock

Verified second-hand article

Verified second-hand item

Free shipping from 19€

€16,47