About the book
Why mathematics is not merely formulaic: an argument that to write a mathematical proof is tantamount to inventing a story.
In The Meaning of Proofs, mathematician Gabriele Lolli argues that to write a mathematical proof is tantamount to inventing a story. Lolli offers not instructions for how to write mathematical proofs, but a philosophical and poetic reflection on mathematical proofs as narrative. Mathematics, imprisoned within its symbols and images, Lolli writes, says nothing if its meaning is not narrated in a story. The minute mathematicians open their mouths to explain something—the meaning of x, how to find y—they are framing a narrative.
Every proof is the story of an adventure, writes Lolli, a journey into an unknown land to open a new, connected route; once the road is open, we correct it, expand it. Just as fairy tales offer a narrative structure in which new characters can be inserted into recurring forms of the genre in original ways, in mathematics, each new abstract concept is the protagonist of a different theory supported by the general techniques of mathematical reasoning. In ancient Greece, there was more than an analogy between literature and mathematics, there was direct influence. Euclid’s proofs have roots in poetry and rhetoric. Mathematics, Lolli asserts, is not the mere manipulation of formulas.
Editions of The Meaning of Proofs
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262544269
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262371032
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262371049
Read an Excerpt
Why mathematics is not merely formulaic: an argument that to write a mathematical proof is tantamount to inventing a story.
In The Meaning of Proofs, mathematician Gabriele Lolli argues that to write a mathematical proof is tantamount to inventing a story. Lolli offers not instructions for how to write mathematical proofs, but a philosophical and poetic reflection on mathematical proofs as narrative. Mathematics, imprisoned within its symbols and images, Lolli writes, says nothing if its meaning is not narrated in a story. The minute mathematicians open their mouths to explain something—the meaning of x, how to find y—they are framing a narrative.
Every proof is the story of an adventure, writes Lolli, a journey into an unknown land to open a new, connected route; once the road is open, we correct it, expand it. Just as fairy tales offer a narrative structure in which new characters can be inserted into recurring forms of the genre in original ways, in mathematics, each new abstract concept is the protagonist of a different theory supported by the general techniques of mathematical reasoning. In ancient Greece, there was more than an analogy between literature and mathematics, there was direct influence. Euclid’s proofs have roots in poetry and rhetoric. Mathematics, Lolli asserts, is not the mere manipulation of formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Meaning of Proofs about?
Why mathematics is not merely formulaic: an argument that to write a mathematical proof is tantamount to inventing a story.
In The Meaning of Proofs, mathematician Gabriele Lolli argues that to write a mathematical proof is tantamount to inventing a story. Lolli offers not instructions for how to write mathematical proofs, but a philosophical and poetic reflection on mathematical proofs as narrative. Mathematics, imprisoned within its symbols and images, Lolli writes, says nothing if its meaning is not narrated in a story. The minute mathematicians open their mouths to explain something—the meaning of x, how to find y—they are framing a narrative.
Every proof is the story of an adventure, writes Lolli, a journey into an unknown land to open a new, connected route; once the road is open, we correct it, expand it. Just as fairy tales offer a narrative structure in which new characters can be inserted into recurring forms of the genre in original ways, in mathematics, each new abstract concept is the protagonist of a different theory supported by the general techniques of mathematical reasoning. In ancient Greece, there was more than an analogy between literature and mathematics, there was direct influence. Euclid’s proofs have roots in poetry and rhetoric. Mathematics, Lolli asserts, is not the mere manipulation of formulas.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Meaning of Proofs?
Mathematics and Science > Mathematics > History of mathematics
Where can I read a sample of The Meaning of Proofs?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262544269
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Meaning of Proofs?
Gabriele Lolli
Who is the Publisher of the book The Meaning of Proofs?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Meaning of Proofs is available as paperback(ISBN 9780262544269) and ebook(ISBN 9780262371032) and ebook(ISBN 9780262371049)
Where can I buy The Meaning of Proofs online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Meaning of Proofs?