| Contents |
Introduction: the case for mathematical intelligence -- Part I. Ways of thinking -- Estimation: tribes that only count to four, where babies outsmart computers, and why we underestimate pandemics -- Representations: the dogness of dogs, how mathematicians paint ideas, and the blind spots of computers -- Reasoning: when stories fool us, why machines can't be trusted, and how to tell eternal truths -- Imagination: why spoilsports deserve more credit, how mathematics get reinvented, and the truths computers will never discover -- Questioning: why mathematics is like play, the questions no computer can answer, and the simple trait that makes every child smart -- Part II. Ways of working -- Temperament: why speed is overrated, getting into flow, and the wisdom of 'sleeping on it' -- Collaboration: an unlikely mathematical duo, how ants get their intelligence, and the quest for a super-mathematician -- Epilogue. |
| Abstract |
"A fascinating exploration of a surprising advantage that humans have over our incoming robot masters: we're actually good at maths. There's so much talk about the threat posed by intelligent machines that it sometimes seems as though we should surrender to our robot overlords now. But Junaid Mubeen isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. As far as he is concerned, we have the edge over machines because of a remarkable system of thought developed over the millennia. It's familiar to us all, but often badly taught and misrepresented in popular discourse - maths. Computers are brilliant at totting up sums, pattern-seeking and performing, well, computation. For all things calculation, machines reign supreme. But Junaid identifies seven areas of intelligence where humans can retain a crucial edge. And in exploring these areas, he opens up a fascinating world where we can develop our uniquely human mathematical superpowers"--Publisher's description. |
