Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

As a mathematician, I think it is very hard to write popular expositions of mathematics. It is acceptable and even necessary to skip the technical details and replace rigorous definitions with intuitive explanations, but it should be done with great care to avoid statements that are plainly wrong and only introduce more confusion. I think the majority of texts on complicated mathematics that target the general audience suffer from this issue.

The review mentions some very unfortunate errors that are not "passing over a point in less detail": suggesting that Cantor's diagonal argument depends on the AC and that CH is equivalent to c = 2^ℵ₀.

I wasn't familiar with the book and had just read the review; I wouldn't blame the author, but the publisher should have contacted someone for proofreading.



Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: