The pernicious influence of mathematics on science

pp. 19-25

in: Mark Kac, Gian-Carlo Rota, Discrete thoughts, Berlin, Springer, 1986

Abstract

I wish to make use of the license permitted to a lay speaker, in two regards: in the first place, to confine myself to the negative aspects of this role, leaving it to others to dwell on the amazing triumphs of the mathematical method; in the second place, to comment not only on physical science but also on social science, in which the characteristic inadequacies which I wish to discuss are more readily apparent.