The Foundations of Mathematics

by David Tall and Ian Stewart

Book Overview

The transition from school mathematics to university mathematics is seldom straightforward. Students are faced with a disconnect between the algorithmic and informal attitude to mathematics at school, versus a new emphasis on proof, based on logic, and a more abstract development of general concepts, based on set theory.

The authors have many years' experience of the potential difficulties involved, through teaching first-year undergraduates...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 019870643X
• ISBN13: 9780198706434
• Release Date: May 2015
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive and clear

Stewart and Tall have written some excellent mathematical texts, and this book is one of them. It deals with the basics of mathematics and treats them in a clear but thorough way. Although it is probably not essential, it is a good accompaniment to anybody starting a mathematics degree. They take the approach that one should already be familiar with an idea (via examples) before seeing its definition. This works well, although sometimes the effect is that the pace is slow and the exposition is drawn out.

Excellent Book for the High School Mathsters

This book was written for those inquisitive/advanced high school students (6th formers in England) to give them an introduction to the number systems, formalization in mathematics and the concept of proof. Stewart is well-known for his clear writing and this book is an excellent example.