Logical Methods

logicalmethods.org

Many people think that mathematics is just about calculations, formulas, numbers, and strange symbols. But mathematics is much more than just performing calculations, manipulating symbols, and plugging them into formulas. Mathematics is about discovering patterns, conducting reasoning, finding counterexamples, and arguing logically. Mathematics is a way of thinking and an activity that is both extremely creative and challenging. This book is meant as an introduction to scientific, and in particular, mathematical, thinking for those starting a university or college education. The purpose of the book is to provide a solid foundation for a study of science and to introduce and explain the most important and essential concepts in mathematics and the sciences. Through 25 short chapters, presented in an original and visual format, students will learn the basics of set theory, logic, proof methods, combinatorics, graph theory, and much more. Roger Antonsen received the University Press Textbook Prize for 2013 for this book.