Explaining Beauty in Mathematics: An Aesthetic Theory of Mathematics

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Mathematics, Logic, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Explaining Beauty in Mathematics: An Aesthetic Theory of Mathematics by Ulianov Montano, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ulianov Montano ISBN: 9783319034522
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: December 20, 2013
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Ulianov Montano
ISBN: 9783319034522
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: December 20, 2013
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This book develops a naturalistic aesthetic theory that accounts for aesthetic phenomena in mathematics in the same terms as it accounts for more traditional aesthetic phenomena. Building upon a view advanced by James McAllister, the assertion is that beauty in science does not confine itself to anecdotes or personal idiosyncrasies, but rather that it had played a role in shaping the development of science. Mathematicians often evaluate certain pieces of mathematics using words like beautiful, elegant, or even ugly. Such evaluations are prevalent, however, rigorous investigation of them, of mathematical beauty, is much less common. The volume integrates the basic elements of aesthetics, as it has been developed over the last 200 years, with recent findings in neuropsychology as well as a good knowledge of mathematics.

The volume begins with a discussion of the reasons to interpret mathematical beauty in a literal or non-literal fashion, which also serves to survey historical and contemporary approaches to mathematical beauty. The author concludes that literal approaches are much more coherent and fruitful, however, much is yet to be done. In this respect two chapters are devoted to the revision and improvement of McAllister’s theory of the role of beauty in science. These antecedents are used as a foundation to formulate a naturalistic aesthetic theory. The central idea of the theory is that aesthetic phenomena should be seen as constituting a complex dynamical system which the author calls the aesthetic as process theory.

The theory comprises explications of three central topics: aesthetic experience (in mathematics), aesthetic value and aesthetic judgment. The theory is applied in the final part of the volume and is used to account for the three most salient and often used aesthetic terms often used in mathematics: beautiful, elegant and ugly. This application of the theory serves to illustrate the theory in action, but also to further discuss and develop some details and to showcase the theory’s explanatory capabilities.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book develops a naturalistic aesthetic theory that accounts for aesthetic phenomena in mathematics in the same terms as it accounts for more traditional aesthetic phenomena. Building upon a view advanced by James McAllister, the assertion is that beauty in science does not confine itself to anecdotes or personal idiosyncrasies, but rather that it had played a role in shaping the development of science. Mathematicians often evaluate certain pieces of mathematics using words like beautiful, elegant, or even ugly. Such evaluations are prevalent, however, rigorous investigation of them, of mathematical beauty, is much less common. The volume integrates the basic elements of aesthetics, as it has been developed over the last 200 years, with recent findings in neuropsychology as well as a good knowledge of mathematics.

The volume begins with a discussion of the reasons to interpret mathematical beauty in a literal or non-literal fashion, which also serves to survey historical and contemporary approaches to mathematical beauty. The author concludes that literal approaches are much more coherent and fruitful, however, much is yet to be done. In this respect two chapters are devoted to the revision and improvement of McAllister’s theory of the role of beauty in science. These antecedents are used as a foundation to formulate a naturalistic aesthetic theory. The central idea of the theory is that aesthetic phenomena should be seen as constituting a complex dynamical system which the author calls the aesthetic as process theory.

The theory comprises explications of three central topics: aesthetic experience (in mathematics), aesthetic value and aesthetic judgment. The theory is applied in the final part of the volume and is used to account for the three most salient and often used aesthetic terms often used in mathematics: beautiful, elegant and ugly. This application of the theory serves to illustrate the theory in action, but also to further discuss and develop some details and to showcase the theory’s explanatory capabilities.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Regulating eTechnologies in the European Union by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book The Changing Dynamics of Bisexual Men's Lives by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Pricing Urban Water by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Oscar Wilde and Contemporary Irish Drama by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Violence in Southern Sport and Culture by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book The Global Society and Its Enemies by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Kenya and Britain after Independence by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Resolving the Gamer’s Dilemma by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Pursuit of the Universal by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book New Knowledge in Information Systems and Technologies by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Biotechnology of Natural Products by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products 104 by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Collaboration and Technology by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Competing Arctic Futures by Ulianov Montano
Cover of the book Strategy and Communication for Innovation by Ulianov Montano
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy