POLITICAL NUMERACY: Mathematical Perspectives on Our Chaotic Constitution
Michael I. Meyerson, . . Norton, $24.95 (287pp) ISBN 978-0-393-04172-9
University of Baltimore law professor Meyerson shows how a wide range of mathematical subjects, from Euclid's ancient axiomatic method to recent developments in chaos theory, can throw light on the Constitution and how the Supreme Court interprets it. Though he sometimes delves into fairly sophisticated math—game theory, transfinite arithmetic, Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem—his sharp focus on essential insights should put all readers at ease. For example, he demonstrates how the comparison of infinite numbers illuminates different precious values—the author's life may be of "infinite value" to him, for example, and yet his children's lives are
Reviewed on: 02/18/2002
Genre: Nonfiction
Paperback - 288 pages - 978-0-393-32372-6