Mathematics Book Club discussion

This will be May's book. The hardcover version has 272 pages.

This book doesn't discuss about Math

Well, I've actually read it. So I am pretty sure it's about math and as the titles explicitly says; it's about how big data affect today's society. It's more like a testimony of how data and statistics (which I do believe are maths) are widely misused! To sum up, this book is about Maths.
After reading it twice, I am pretty fitted to judge, love!

Though, I agree that's it is not pure hard mathematics.

Dang Van wrote: "This book doesn't discuss about Math"

Hafsa wrote: "Well, I've actually read it. So I am pretty sure it's about math and as the titles explicitly says; it's about how big data affect today's society. It's more like a testimony of how data and statis..."

I agree with Hafsa, it's definitely math-related even if it's not specifically about pure mathematics. Did you get a chance to read it, Dang?

Hi - I read this book last year. It's not explicitly about math, but is implicitly about math and the way numerical analysis is used in public discourse and professional circless. What's great about it is people with no math training or experience can understand it (not me, I'm an engineer).

Although I highly recommend it, readers should know it focuses on social justice aspects of how math is wielded by those who can, and it definitely has a social and cultural "point of view" and position. Let's face it, it's as much, or more, about power structures as it is about math. There are victims and victors here.

But since I am an engineer by college degree and profession, but sociology is a primary avocational interest area for me, I'm just as interested in power structures.

I really, really like this book. No, not strictly mathematical, but the premise of the book was all based on statistics. It was so interesting to see what really goes on with insurance, advertising, etc. I usually don't get paranoid about things, but this book makes me wonder about all these companies tracking my every move.

Jim wrote: "I really, really like this book. No, not strictly mathematical, but the premise of the book was all based on statistics. It was so interesting to see what really goes on with insurance, advertising..."

Just know that they are (tracking you) and it's worse than you think.

I very much enjoyed reading "Weapons of Math Destruction". Speaking of which, both Cathy O'Neil and I wrote op-eds on math education within a week of each other this month.

https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articl...

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/comme...

Naturally, our respective books echo the same themes mentioned in our op-ed pieces, in our shared belief in the importance of mathematics education to serve our society and our world.

Richard
(author of "The Math Olympian")