Civilized peoples have always treated mathematics as an integral part of their cultural heritage. Mathematics is the oldest and most universal part of our culture, truly because we share it with the entire world and its roots go back to ancient times and distant lands. The beauty, splendor, and effectiveness of mathematics come from a common factor that elevates it beyond a mere accumulation of information, application of practical skills, or a feat of memory. This distinctive feature of mathematics is what is called mathematical thinking—the thinking that employs the structural organization by which the parts of mathematics are connected to each other, and not just to the real-world objects of our experience, as in the case where we use mathematics to calculate some practical results.

The essence of mathematics lies in its clear interconnectedness, a property that is certainly found in many other systems of knowledge, but which is fundamental to mathematics. Knowledge of one part of the logical structure entails inescapable consequences that can only be reached by reason alone. It is this ability to deduce results that could otherwise only be reached through arduous observation and scattered experiences of exploration that makes mathematics so valuable in practice. And only by mastering the way in which these conclusions are reached can one benefit from mathematics beyond some trivial results.

• Author: Dr. Ramadan Mas'ad Badawi
• Number of Pages: 626
• Year of Publication: 2008
• Binding Type: Hardcover
• Edition: First
• Print Color: Black and White
• Dimensions (cm): 17 x 24
• Weight (kg): 0.961
• Barcode: 9789957075415