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  • © 2017

The Pythagorean World

Why Mathematics Is Unreasonably Effective In Physics

Palgrave Macmillan

Authors:

  • Provides accessible analysis of the persistence of Pythagorean ideas in theoretical physics
  • Addresses the development of fundamental mathematics and metaphysical issues in the context of mathematical practice
  • Investigates the philosophical problems that arise from the way mathematics in used and developed in different contexts

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Table of contents (7 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-x
  2. Introduction

    • Jane McDonnell
    Pages 1-2
  3. The Applicability of Mathematics

    • Jane McDonnell
    Pages 3-67
  4. One True Mathematics

    • Jane McDonnell
    Pages 125-178
  5. What Mathematics Is About

    • Jane McDonnell
    Pages 179-222
  6. Actuality from Potentiality

    • Jane McDonnell
    Pages 223-298
  7. Conclusion

    • Jane McDonnell
    Pages 299-330
  8. Back Matter

    Pages 331-394

About this book

This book explores precisely how mathematics allows us to model and predict the behaviour of physical systems, to an amazing degree of accuracy. One of the oldest explanations for this is that, in some profound way, the structure of the world is mathematical. The ancient Pythagoreans stated that “everything is number”. However, while exploring the Pythagorean method, this book chooses to add a second principle of the universe: the mind. This work defends the proposition that mind and mathematical structure are the grounds of reality.

Reviews

“The present book provides a good overview of the philosophical subject matter concerning the interconnectedness of mathematics and science, in particular physics. The final part on quantum monadology is speculative, albeit thought-inspiring. ... The references throughout the text are useful for more in-depth knowledge on the individual topics and facilitate further research.” (Michael M. Tung, Mathematical Reviews, December, 2017)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Philosophy, Monash University , Victoria, Australia

    Jane McDonnell

About the author

Jane McDonnell is Adjunct Research Associate in the Philosophy Department at Monash University, Australia. She has doctorates in both theoretical physics and philosophy and over twenty years’ experience applying mathematics in academia and industry. She has authored or co-authored more than eighty technical papers in physics, mathematics, finance and philosophy.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access