Description
Saunders Mac Lane was a highly accomplished mathematician, teacher, and advocate for science and education. In his autobiography, he shares personal and professional experiences that span nearly a century of mathematical developments. He studied under influential mathematicians in G¶ttingen and witnessed the impact of political pressure on the field. He also made significant contributions to abstract and general mathematical concepts, particularly in the development of categories with Samuel Eilenberg. Mac Lane was also involved in social and political events, using his influence as a member of the National Academy of Science to shape policies in the post-war period. Overall, his autobiography provides a glimpse into the major milestones of the twentieth century in the world of mathematics.
Saunders Mac Lane was an extraordinary mathematician, a dedicated teacher, and a good citizen who cared deeply about the values of science and education. In his autobiography, he gives us a glimpse of his "life and times," mixing the highly personal with professional observations. His recollections bring to life a century of extraordinary accomplishments and tragedies that inspire and educate. Saunders Mac Lane's life covers nearly a century of mathematical developments. During the earlier part of the twentieth century, he participated in the exciting happenings in G¶ttingen---the Mecca of mathematics. He studied under David Hilbert, Hermann Weyl, and Paul Bernays and witnessed the collapse of a great tradition under the political pressure of a brutal dictatorship. Later, he contributed to the more abstract and general mathematical viewpoints developed in the twentieth century. Perhaps the most outstanding accomplishment during his long and extraordinary career was the development of the concept of categories, together with Samuel Eilenberg, and the creation of a theory that has broad applications in different areas of mathematics, in particular topology and foundations. He was also a keen observer and active participant in the social and political events. As a member and vice president of the National Academy of Science and an advisor to the Administration, he exerted considerable influence on science and education policies in the post-war period. Mac Lane's autobiography takes the reader on a journey through the most important milestones of the mathematical world in the twentieth century.
Related Products
