What is Math?: How humans speak in math, and what that means for the world

by Field Cady

This book takes a novel view of mathematics, arguing that it is a branch of human language. Looking through this lens, it traces the evolution of math from the first tally sticks, through the invention of number systems, up to modern computer science. Along the way it shows that, like all language, the real key to math is human intuition.

This book has something for everybody: math-phobes hoping to come to terms with an intimidating subject, mathematicians looking for insight into their trade, educators trying to make math accessible, and laymen who want to understand the role of numbers in human societies.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2014

Reviews

[AttackGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Assumptions based on false history

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the parts on the history of maths. I do have a computer science degree so I probably found this a bit easier to understand than the general population but it really is very accessible (my second baby is still struggling to sleep through the night so it's a wonder I can understand anything at all, and I did have to re-read a few sections). If you're interested in where maths came from and where it's going I would definitely give this book a try. My only complaint is that there are a few typos that should have been picked up by an editor.