Where Mathematics Comes From: How the Embodied Mind Brings Mathematics into Being

New York, NY: Basic Books, 2000. This groundbreaking exploration by linguist Lakoff and psychologist Nunez brings two decades of insights from cognitive science to bear on the nature of human mathematical thought, beginning with the basic, pre-verbal ability to do simple arithmetic on quantities of four or less, and encompassing set theory, multiple forms of infinity and the demystification of more enigmatic mathematical truths. Their purpose is to begin laying the foundations for a truly scientific understanding of human mathematical thought, grounded in processes common to all human cognition. They find that four distinct but related processes metaphorically structure basic arithmetic: object collection, object construction, using a measuring stick and moving along a path. By carefully unfolding these primitive examples and then building upon them, the authors take readers on a dazzling excursion without sacrificing the rigor of their exposition. Lakoff and N#$ez directly challenge the most cherished myths about the nature of mathematical truth, offering instead a fresh, profound, empirically grounded insight into the meaning of mathematical ideas. This revolutionary account is bound to garner major attention in the scientific pressDbut it remains a very challenging read that lends itself mostly to those with a strong interest in either math or cognitive science. 493 pp. Illustrated. Minimal shelfwear. No spine cracks or creases. Signed by George Lakoff on the half title page.. Signed by Author. . Soft Cover. Very Good/ . 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.