Mathematics and the Roots of Postmodern Thought

by Vladimir Tasic

Overview

This is a charming and insightful contribution to an understanding of the "Science Wars" between postmodernist humanism and science, driving toward a resolution of the mutual misunderstanding that has driven the controversy. It traces the root of postmodern theory to a debate on the foundations of mathematics early in the 20th century, then compares developments in mathematics to what took place in the arts and humanities, discussing issues as diverse as literary theory, arts, and artificial intelligence. This is a straightforward, easily understood presentation of what can be difficult theoretical concepts It demonstrates that a pattern of misreading mathematics can be seen both on the part of science and on the part of postmodern thinking. This is a humorous, playful yet deeply serious look at the intellectual foundations of mathematics for those in the humanities and the perfect critical introduction to the bases of modernism and postmodernism for those in the sciences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195139679
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	08/30/2001
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.44(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.81(d)

About the Author

University of New Brunswick

Table of Contents

1. Introduction2. Around the Cartesian Circuit2.1. Imagination2.2. Intuition2.3. Counting to One3. Space Oddity and Linguistic Turn4. Wound of Language4.1. Being and Time Continuum4.2. Language and Will5. Beyond the Code5.1. Medium of Free Becoming5.2. Nonpresence of Identity6. The Expired Subject6.1. Empire of Signs6.2. Mechanical Bride7. The Vanishing Author8. Say Hello to the Structure Bubble8.1. Algebra of Language8.2. Functionalism Chic9. Don't Think, Look9.1. Interpolating the Self9.2. Language Games9.3. Thermostats "R" Us10. Postmodern Enigmas10.1. Unspeakable Diff^d'erance10.2. Dysfunctionalism ChicNotesSelect BibliographyIndex