Mathematics and the roots of postmodern thought / Vladimir Tasić.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tasić, Vladimir, 1965-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mathematics--Philosophy.

Mathematics.

Postmodernism.

Physical Description:

x, 189 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2001.

Summary:

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.

Contents:

2. Around the Cartesian Circuit 7

2.1. Imagination 7

2.2. Intuition 10

2.3. Counting to One 14

3. Space Oddity and Linguistic Turn 20

4. Wound of Language 32

4.1. Being and Time Continuum 36

4.2. Language and Will 45

5. Beyond the Code 50

5.1. Medium of Free Becoming 53

5.2. Nonpresence of Identity 58

6. The Expired Subject 67

6.1. Empire of Signs 67

6.2. Mechanical Bride 77

7. The Vanishing Author 84

8. Say Hello to the Structure Bubble 100

8.1. Algebra of Language 101

8.2. Functionalism Chic 114

9. Don't Think, Look 119

9.1. Interpolating the Self 123

9.2. Language Games 127

9.3. Thermostats "[characters not reproducible]" Us 132

10. Postmodern Enigmas 138

10.1. Unspeakable Differance 139

10.2. Dysfunctionalism Chic 154.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 177-181) and index.

ISBN:

0195139674

OCLC:

45806468