The Mathematical Experience

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The Mathematical Experience is a 1981 book by Philip J. Davis and Reuben Hersh that discusses the practice of modern mathematics from a historical and philosophical perspective. It won the 1983 National Book Award in the Science category.

It is frequently cited by mathematicians as a book that was influential in their decision to continue their studies in graduate school and has been hailed as a classic of mathematical literature [1]. The book drew a critical review from Martin Gardner, who disagreed with some of the authors' philosophical opinions, but was well-received otherwise.

A study edition and also a study guide for use with the book have been released, both co-authored with Elena A. Marchisotto. The authors wrote a follow-up book, Descartes' Dream: The World According to Mathematics, and both have separately written other books on related subjects, such as Davis' Mathematics And Common Sense: A Case of Creative Tension and Hersh's What is Mathematics, Really?

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