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Conversations on Mind, Matter, and Mathematics

1 rating: 3.0

A book by Jean-Pierre Changeux

An intriguing argument by mathematician Connes in this spirited conversation with neurobiologist Changeux is that a mathematical reality exists independently of the human mind. For example, he considers it improbable that the cosmic harmony of the Jovian … see full wiki

Tags: Books, Cafe Libri, Mathematics

Author: Jean-Pierre Changeux

Publisher: Princeton University Press

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Pondering the philosophy of understanding mathematics

Feb 25, 2000

by CharlesAshbacher
posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

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When reading this account of a series of conversations between Jean-Pierre Changeux and Alain Connes, two main themes emerge. The first is how little progress there has been made in the philosophy of mathematics and knowledge since the time of Plato and the second is how much fun it is to discuss it. Changeux is Director of the Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory at the Institut Pasteur and Connes is a previous winner of the Fields Medal for mathematical excellence. His prime areas of work are in analysis and geometry. These two superb minds jointly explore the realm of consciousness, knowledge, and the inherent ambiguities in the search for truth and understanding.
As the conversations progress, many of the main themes of philosophy are covered, with an emphasis on mathematics and the abstract nature of the human mind. My favorite chapter was "The Neuronal Mathematician", where the neural basis of understanding theorems is discussed. If it were possible for Plato to eavesdrop on the conversation, he would be baffled by the references to computers, but the discussion on the "forms" of mathematics would seem like old news. One very profound question raised in this book bears repeating, "Is it necessary for a computer to experience pain and suffering to be considered conscious?"
A book that should be thought of as a primer only, this is one work that can keep you thinking and pondering for years.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

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