On "Games and Mathematics. Subtle Connections" by David Wells

David Mark Ramsey ; Krzysztof Szajowski

Mathematica Applicanda, Tome 41 (2013) no. 2, pp. 219-223.

Résumé

There is a number of popular books on mathematics and its connection with other human activities. The presented book ``Games and Mathematics. Subtle Connections'' belongs to this class but the author's perspective is original (see [2] in references for links to other texts and reviews on the book ) by David Graham WellsThe title of the book is intriguing and outrageous at the same time. However, as it is possible to find in others' opinion (see Thomas~[1]), no one claims that mathematics is a game or bunch of games but doing mathematics is \emph{like} playing a game. This book is on this topic. In this book, the author presents an enthusiastic view of mathematics and explains why the study of mathematics is similar to the playing of games such as chess, hex and go, but also why it differs. The book considers a large number of mathematical problems and "games", particularly from the field of geometry and number theory in an entertaining style, although he brushes over some of the concepts and as a result the book is not an "easy read". The book is aimed at high school teachers and pupils with an aptitude for mathematics. Although many of the examples presented appear in other such books, the author often finds a novel approach to them. One thing which was particularly refreshing was that the author pointed out cases where initial attempts to find a solution were actually wrong and hence stressed the fact that mathematics is not a mechanical science, but requires insight as well as formalism. The reader does not need a very formal background in mathematics, a more intuitive approach is favored. On the other hand, the book covers a wide range of material (and historical figures) at a very rapid pace. Hence, some of the concepts presented are left unexplained.

Détail

DOI : 10.14708/ma.v41i2.428