Introduction to Mathematical Thinking Paperback – 18 July 2012

This is an excellent and inexpensive companion to Prof. Keith Devlin's Coursera course.Here, "mathematical thinking" refers to the kind of formal logic that one might find early-on in an undergraduate mathematics course, but don't be put-off by that as it doesn't mean you need much of a background in high school mathematics; it's basic, logical, deductive reasoning expressed formally in mathematical shorthand. It's a valuable practical tool for everyday thinking and this ought to be taught in our primary schools as a foundation for many other things - and not just maths and sciences.In this respect, Devlin's book is a concise and inexpensive alternative to Burger & Starbird's "The Heart of Mathematics: An Invitation to Effective Thinking" (another book associated with an excellent on-line course). While Burger & Starbird is lavish, it's also very expensive.While it seems that school mathematics is increasingly about learning how to "turn a handle" to do things in a hurry and without much real insight, Devlin places particular emphasis on taking things slowly in order to think about and understand the concepts. The exercises are an essential part of the book and although there are no solutions, you'll mostly know when you have the right answer if you've understood what's going on - and if you don't, then go back and think about it; as Devlin says repeatedly: don't rush!. In addition, Devlin's Coursera on-line course is very well worthwhile (and free) and discusses many of the problems.

Keith Devlin makes mathematics interesting. This is something none of my maths teachers achieved when I was at school. If you think you are not very good a maths don't worry this book will awake a hidden interest in the subject. I read it because I took the Coursera course on the Introduction to Mathematical Thinking. So if you would like to think like a mathematician or, as in my case aspire to, then this book is essential reading.

Exactly what I was looking for, teaches mathematics applicable to common thinking and forces the reader to engage! This requires investment from the reader, the writing makes it a pleasure to do so!Not listing the solutions to exercises was a great decision, it emphasises the process above the answer.I came at this with an okay maths background and have learnt plenty!

Excellent alongside Coursera on-line course by Keith Devlin himself.

This book is parallel to an internet course and I think really that the internet course is preferable to the book. This Stanford mathematician tries to bridge the gap between secondary education in maths and a university course. It's helpful and he has a sympathetic manner throughout but if maths is not your thing you will still find it difficult to follow.

A good and accessible introduction to mathematical reasoning, with exercises to test your comprehension. It covers logic and mathematical proof, and does not require much previous mathematical knowledge, so it is accessible to lay readers as well as people studying maths at school or university.

I have the print copy but decided to get the EBook for my Kindle Fire. Firstly this is an excellent introduction to logic and mathematical proof. However, being a 'mathematical' text there are a lot of Greek characters - some of which do not reproduce on the Kindle Fire - leaving a series of empty squares. Strangely enough this is not reproduced on my Kindle for Ipad app. Other than that flaw it woukld get 5 stars.

A great companion for the coursera coure. Would recommend it to anyone interested in maths. The course is unique and you will find yourself having a productive/enjoyable time. The textbooks merely makes the course easier for visual learners.