Author: Marco Panza File Type: pdf What is mathematics about? And if it is about some sort of mathematical reality, how can we have access to it? This is the problem raised by Plato, which still today is the subject of lively philosophical disputes. This book traces the history of the problem, from its origins to its contemporary treatment. It discusses the answers given by Aristotle, Proclus and Kant, through Freges and Russells versions of logicism, Hilberts formalism, Godels platonism, up to the the current debate on Benacerrafs dilemma and the indispensability argument. Through the considerations of themes in the philosophy of language, ontology, and the philosophy of science, the book aims at offering an historically-informed introduction to the philosophy of mathematics, approached through the lenses of its most fundamental problem.

Author: Suzanne Bell File Type: pdf Fakes and forgeries have existed since humans began creating art and written language. Laws against forgery existed in ancient Egypt, as skilled craftsmen made glass imitations of precious gemstones. Today, science has become a key partner in the battle against forgers as the techniques of forgery advance. Stamps, money, art, and historical artifacts are only a few of the objects that are commonly forged, and scientists working in forensic labs often work hand-in-hand with artists, museums, linguists, and historians to study artifacts and documents. Fakes and Forgeries looks at the modern tools of computers, printers, and scanners to create questioned documents and counterfeits. Beginning with an overview of the start of fakes and forgeries from ancient times to the present, this new volume examines the art of analyzing evidence - from lottery tickets and voting ballots to stamps and envelopes. **From Booklist Forensic science has become to this generation what the space race was in the 1960san accessible and inspiring window into the world ofscience, writes Bell in the preface to this fascinating introduction to how scientists identify fraudulent copies, from signatures to oil paintings. Noting that as long as there have been taxes and money, there has been forgery, Bell moves from examples of the crime that date back to ancient Mesopotamian civilizations all the way through to todays high-tech counterfeiting cases. Frequent sidebars tackle related, practical topics, such as How to Verify Money, while photos and detailed diagrams illustrate scientific concepts, such as the spectrum of electromagnetic energy. Bells language is dense but accessible, and the depth of scientific coverage makes this an excellent choice for supplementing middle- and high-school coursework. With the steady popularity of CSI and its many spin-off TVshows, this is a must-have for teen researchers and browsers alike. A glossary and an extensive selection of recommended reading close this entry in the Essentials of Forensic Science series. Grades 7-12. --Gillian Engberg About the Author Suzanne Bell, PhD, holds a degree in chemistry from New Mexico State University and an MS in forensic science from the University of New Haven. She is currently an associate professor of chemistry and director of the Bell Research Group at West Virginia University. Bell s previous work has been published in Journal of Chemical Education, Analytical Chemistry, and Journal of Forensic Science. Bell is author of The Facts on File Dictionary of Forensic Science, cited by Choice as an Outstanding Academic Title, 2004. She lives in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Author: Maurice Blanchot File Type: pdf

Author: Edward Chierra File Type: pdf