Mathematics in Western Culture

by Morris Kline

Reveals the important contributions of mathematics to the physical and social sciences, philosophy, religion, literature, and art.

Genres: Mathematics, History, Science, Nonfiction, Philosophy, History Of Science

512 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 1953

About the author

Morris Kline was a Professor of Mathematics, a writer on the history, philosophy, and teaching of mathematics, and also a popularizer of mathematical subjects.

Reviews

[Matt Kohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting walkthrough of the history of mathematics as it has affected western culture. I am a huge math nerd so I loved walking through how specific ideas in math / the implications behind the thought process that led to those ideas affected large cultural movements and mindsets. All of that said some parts dragged on a bit, but I appreciate the author's unwavering love of the subject and all it has done for us.

[Saeed · Rating 5 out of 5]

برای علاقه مندان به تاریخ علم یا تاریخ غرب و یا هر کسی که براش این سوال مطرحه که چطور تمدن غرب اینطور پیشرفت کرد، پیشنهاد خوبیه.

[Jesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. Now I understand why and how philosophy was for 2000 years, since Euclid, trying to be like mathematics. Arriving to truth by deduction from self-evident axioms.
This influence of maths has been pervasive. See this mathematical text, says the book: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Yes, it is the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence of USA ;-)

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. Kline's presentation of material is a pleasure to read. His sweeping review of the history of maths and culture is engaging, challenging, and fascinating. It draws vast outlines and makes conceptualizing the history as a whole manageable, and it is a fantastic starting point for anyone interested in these ideas. It also a wonderful substitute for a more orthodox history of mathematics.

If you are on the fence, read this book.

[Matthew Hurley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful, interesting, but not the most enjoyable presentation of the material. Kline wears his biases about intellectual history on his sleeve.

[Michael P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kline attempts to show that Western culture was informed, shaped, and often advanced by mathematics from the earliest number systems to Einstein. That I have a few very small complaints does not undermine Kline’s success in showing history in a light that is almost entirely new to me. Our culture seems a much wider and deeper place after reading this book. The problems and thermos discussed are so clear that even I can understand most of them, and I have serious mathematical blind spots. I recommend the book highly.

About those few complaints: the book is old and in small ways is out of date. It is unlikely that an author today covering the same ground would dismiss the middle ages as a waste of time. Kline explains that he will not write a chapter on quantum theory and perhaps in 1953 that did not seem as pressing as it does now. Currently under investigation are the link of mathematicians and their appreciation of music and the fascination many musicians have with mathematics. Kline did not know to address this, and the book cannot be faulted for these lacks.

One blind spot is his portion on infinite numbers in the chapter on probability theory. As an abstract idea (you cannot really count without ending) there are an infinite number of numbers. There are, therefore, also an infinite number of even numbers since there is no limit to those, and while Kline does not use this example, an infinite number of odd numbers. Whatever value this idea has in blowing your mind and however useful it may be to probability theory, it is a bit of hocus pocus and it would have been good had Kline acknowledged that, for it points to the inadequacy of language and specifically the word “infinite” to address this subject. Sure, if you are stuck with that word, and I cannot suggest another off hand, then the total number of numbers is infinite, but the total numbers of even numbers is half that, however infinite they may also be, because we are stuck with the word “infinite” to describe both. By barely nodding in the direction of the limitation of language here, Kline deceives the reader as he deceives himself. We lack a concept to distinguish infinite numbers and infinite even numbers, but that does not mean they are truly the same.

See? These are very small complaints. The truth is that I will never see the world in quite the same way again and I cannot heap higher praise on any history book.

[Lucy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have marked this as read, though actually I began to skim fairly early on. The attitudes of the author seem so dated now, even on such a universal subject. I disliked the whole tone of the writing, I'm afraid. An impartial history of mathematics would be much more readable.

[Simon Stegall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historical overview of the development of mathematics from Euclid to Einstein. For me, an absolute monkey when it comes to math, the historical context injected some much-needed life into the subject. I never thought I'd say this, but I want to revisit my old geometry textbooks now.

[Greg Givan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple but really wonderful book. Highly accessible. Eye opening to this old fellow!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent survey for a generalist trying to teach mathematical ideas to young minds.

[C.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-written book. I started out reading this in preparation for taking Calculus. Having gone through Calc 2, I realize now I probably didn't have to read this in order to do well in class. But I am glad that I read this because it taught me so much about the history of mathematics and logic (in western culture, as the title denotes) as well as other cool principles and facts. A good read!

[Martin Keast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books shows beautifully how mathematics did not develop in isolation, but grew out of contact with other fields, with the interaction and influence going both ways. A great read from beginning to end.

[Hossein faqihy(faghihi) · Rating 5 out of 5]

این کتاب را از نمایشگاه امسال خریدم خیلی جذاب است برای کسانی که سال ها با ریاضیات زندگی کرده اند و تاریخ رشد علم را از جایی می خوانند که مردمانش هنوز به مفهومی چون صفر دست نیافته بودند.
قیمتش البته کمی بالاست 14000 تومان پشت جلد و از انتشارات دوست داشتنی علمی فرهنگی(فرانکلین سابق)

[Jack Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like authors who can make sense out of Math since I was never any
good at it.Sorry can't remember much detail, I read it few years back.

[Nassos Kontonatsios · Rating 5 out of 5]

The influences mathematics has exerted on the development of philosophy, the physical sciences, religion, and the arts in Western life. One of the best books that I ever red...

[Bijan · Rating 5 out of 5]

واقعاً کتاب جذاب و آموزنده‌ای است.