Abstract
We start out by giving a very brief idea of the nature of mathematics and the role of mathematics in our society.
The question of the ultimate foundations and the ultimate meaning of mathematics remains open; we do not know in what direction it will find its final solution or whether a final objective answer may be expected at all. “Mathematizing” may well be a creative activity of man, like language or music, of primary originality, whose historical decisions defy complete objective rationalization. (Weyl)
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2004 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Eriksson, K., Estep, D., Johnson, C. (2004). What is Mathematics?. In: Applied Mathematics: Body and Soul. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-05796-4_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-05796-4_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-05659-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-662-05796-4
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive