Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like an interesting read. Here's a review of the "Study Edition" of this book: "How much mathematics can there be? they a

Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like an interesting read. Here's a review of the "Study Edition" of this book: "How much mathematics can there be? they are asked. Instructors in a Mathematical Experience course must be prepared to respond to questions from students concerning the fundamental nature of the whole mathematical enterprise. Stimulated by their reading of the text, students will ask about the underlying logical and philosophical issues, the role of mathematical methods and their origins, the substance stance of contemporary mathematical advances, the meaning of rigor and proof in mathematics, the role of computational mathematics, and issues of teaching and learning. How real is the conflict between “pure” mathematics, as represented by G. H. Hardy’s statements, and “applied” mathematics? they may ask. Are there other kinds of mathematics, neither pure nor applied? This edition of the book provides a source of problems, collateral readings, references, essay and project assignments, and discussion guides for the course." "The authors state, “Most writers on the subject seem to agree that the typical working mathematician is a Platonist on weekdays and a formalist on Sundays.” The substance of the mathematics appears to change with experience and depends on the person recounting the story. But it has an objective reality that is independent of the person. Alas, when precision is required, it is common to retreat to the formalist position that mathematics is only a created structure of axioms, definitions, and their consequences." Source: http://www.ams.org/notices/199710/comm-millett.pdf http://www.ams.org/notices/199710/comm-millett.pdf ( PDF ) http://www.springer.com/birkhauser/mathematics/book/978-0-8176-8294-1 http://www.springer.com/birkhauser/mathematics/book/978-0-81...