Journal

Selected Passages From Correspondence With Friends

On Mathematics, Philosophy, and Education

This page lists the contents of my Journal.

Volume 14 ( 2026)

  1. Expertise and Incompetence , pp. 1-4.
  2. Yin and Yang of elementary geometry,    pp. 5-13.
  3. Why is linear algebra so tedious?  pp. 15-16.

Volume 13 ( 2025)

  1. The tool/weapon duality of mathematics.  pp. 1-17.

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 appeared in J. Humanistic Mathematics, 16 no. 1 (2026), 365–392. DOI: 10.5642/jhummath.UZBE3851.  Available at:
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/jhm/vol16/iss1/24.

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.

Abstract. The aim of this report is to start a dialogue between research mathematicians and philosophers of mathematics on practical aspects of the use of intuition in the mathematical practice.

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.