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:	9780199881512
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	08/30/2001
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Around the Cartesian Circuit
2.1. Imagination
2.2. Intuition
2.3. Counting to One
3. Space Oddity and Linguistic Turn
4. Wound of Language
4.1. Being and Time Continuum
4.2. Language and Will
5. Beyond the Code
5.1. Medium of Free Becoming
5.2. Nonpresence of Identity
6. The Expired Subject
6.1. Empire of Signs
6.2. Mechanical Bride
7. The Vanishing Author
8. Say Hello to the Structure Bubble
8.1. Algebra of Language
8.2. Functionalism Chic
9. Don't Think, Look
9.1. Interpolating the Self
9.2. Language Games
9.3. Thermostats "R" Us
10. Postmodern Enigmas
10.1. Unspeakable Diffd'erance
10.2. Dysfunctionalism Chic
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index