Making Maths: The cognitive science of mathematics

9 units · Undergraduate

Intermittent: 9 units Mathematics is often viewed as the apex of formal human reasoning, both powerful and profound. How do we understand and create high-level mathematics? How do mathematicians conceptualize mathematical structures, discern novel relations between disparate mathematical domains, and prove theorems? How might such processes differ between humans and AI tools? In this course, we will investigate cognitive mechanisms hypothesized to underlie mathematical reasoning. Together, we will consider theoretical and empirical work concerning abstract cognition, problem-solving, cultural evolution and development, cognitive metaphor, analogy, and the role of cognitive technologies. To conduct this multidisciplinary inquiry, we will read and discuss articles and essays written by psychologists, neuroscientists, philosophers, computer scientists, and mathematicians about how human and artificial agents form, understand, and deploy mathematical concepts. Classes will center around in-person discussion, writing exercises, and peer-review activities. Thinkers of all backgrounds are enthusiastically welcome.