Screen LibraryPerplexing paradoxes : unraveling enigmas in the world around us /
This book will examine paradoxes in diverse areas of thought: philosophy, mathematics, physics, economics, political science, psychology, computer science, logic, statistics, linguistics, law, etc. Though the treatment of each paradox is rigorous, the book will be written accessibly with a lighthear...
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| Main Authors: | |
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| Published: |
Columbia University Press,
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| Publisher Address: | New York : |
| Publication Dates: | [2024] |
| Literature type: | Book |
| Language: | English |
| Subjects: | |
| Summary: |
This book will examine paradoxes in diverse areas of thought: philosophy, mathematics, physics, economics, political science, psychology, computer science, logic, statistics, linguistics, law, etc. Though the treatment of each paradox is rigorous, the book will be written accessibly with a lighthearted and humorous tone so as to keep the reader engaged. Each chapter will focus on a single paradox, structured roughly like so: 1. A question is asked in the context of a story. As an answer, the paradox is presented (which often results in an aha moment). The historical background of the paradox is recounted. 2. The dénouement explains how the paradox is resolved or why there is no resolution. 3. The chapter ends with further remarks, usually contemporary real-world examples or applications of said paradox. Some examples of the paradoxes covered are the Axiom of Choice (Mathematics), Monty Hall Problem (Statistics), Morgenbesser's Paradox (Linguistics), Tea Leaves Paradox (Physics), The Ultimatum Game (Economics), and The Chicken or Egg Question (Evolution) -- |
| Carrier Form: | xviii, 336 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (pages [319]-327) and index. |
| ISBN: |
9780231213769 023121376X |
| Index Number: | BC199 |
| CLC: | O144.2 |
| Call Number: | O144.2/S998 |