What Is Mathematics, Really? by Seymour M. Hersh
Proposes a humanist view of mathematics as a social, cultural activity created and validated by communities rather than a discovery of timeless, otherworldly truths. Critiquing Platonism and strict formalism, it argues that proofs gain authority through professional consensus, history, and practice, and that mathematical ideas evolve alongside human needs. The discussion blends philosophy, history, and classroom experience to show how intuition, rigor, and application interact in a fallible but powerfully useful enterprise.
- Published
- 1997
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Unknown
- Pages
- Unknown
- Original Language
- English
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