Getting more out of the human mind than we put in. Review of ‘Getting more out of mathematics than what we put in’ from Mark Steiner (2011) and the ‘Comment on Mark Steiner's `Getting more out of mathematics than what we put in'’ from Marcus du Sautoy

In his statement on the power of mathematical concepts with their inherent latent information, Steiner brings together three elements: mathematics, nature and human mind. He finishes his article by posing the philosophical question 'which of these three elements is responsible for the remarkable richness of 'mathematical essences'?'.
In his 'Comment on Mark Steiner's `Getting more out of mathematics than what we put in'' du Sautoy also expresses his fascination for the most attractive features of mathematical concepts, although with some nuances he formulates on the differences between mathematics and games. In line with Steiner, du Sautoy is challenged by the extraordinary synergy between "the abstract, beautiful world of mathematics and the physical, messy world of physics, chemistry and biology". Du Sautoy is going beyond the phase of astonishment and tries to answer the question on the 'nature' of mathematical concepts and mathematical ideas.


The emergence of mathematics -or let us call it mathematical practices- can be understood as an answer to problems that arise within the environment of human being.

Publication year:2011

Keywords:mathematical concepts, Philosophy of Mathematics