80-110 Nature of Mathematical Reasoning

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This course focuses on understanding the principles and problems at the root of mathematical reasoning it is not a course on any specific mathematical theory, like linear algebra or topology. We will explore the foundations of mathematics, both in terms of their historical origin and their modern purpose as a base for the study of mathematics. Then we will see how problems which seem to have no intuitive solution look simple after being put in the right mathematical form, but also consider the limitations this type of approach. We will treat such issues as they arise both in applied fields policy decisionmaking, physics, computer science and as more recreational, speculative and abstract Conways game of life, the works of Escher, music. The course is aimed for students at the freshman and sophomore level who do not necessarily intend to pursue a mathematically intense major.

Prerequisites: none listed

Courseweave needs JavaScript to show sections, workloads and planning tools.