Selected Passages From Correspondence With Friends

On Mathematics, Philosophy, and Education

This page lists the contents of my Journal:

Volume 13 ( 2025)

1. The tool/weapon duality of mathematics.  pp. 1-17. bit.ly/3Ypxqvt

Abstract. This paper outlines the principal moral and ethical issues of mathematics and existential choices a mathematician may face in his professional life. My text is a manifesto; it is a list of declarations rather than a systematic development of the theme. Indeed each section could be expanded into a paper on its own. I hope to write fairly soon a more detailed exposition.

Trigger Warning. This paper contains an honest description of the role of mathematics in history which could be emotionally challenging for some readers and lead to intrusive thoughts about the future of mathematics and the future of humanity.

Comment. The paper will appear in J. Humanistic Mathematics.

Volume 12 ( 2024)

1. Why does the mirror change left and right but does not change up and down?    pp. 1-8.

Abstract. It does not.

Volume 11 (2023)

1. The elephant in the room: The role of the subconscious in everyday mathematical work. pp. 1-18.

Volume 10 (2022)

Volume 6 (2018)

Volume 1 (2013)

1. A monotonous bounded sequence as a metaphor for mathematics education. pp. 1-2
2. Elementary Calculus: Real vs Analytic. pp. 3-8.
3. The strange fate of abstract thinking. pp. 9-12.
4. Mathematics discovered, invented, and inherited. pp. 13-28.
5. A personal take on synthetic phonics.   pp.  29-44.
6. Relationality of teaching, the Khan Academy, and word problems. pp. 45-50.