Mathematical Intelligence: What We Have that Machines Don't

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There's so much talk about the threat posed by intelligent machines that it sometimes seems as though we should surrender to our robot overlords now. But Junaid Mubeen isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet.

As far as he is concerned, we have the edge over machines because of a remarkable system of thought developed over the millennia. It's familiar to us all, but often badly taught and misrepresented in popular discourse - maths.

Computers are brilliant at totting up sums, pattern-seeking and performing, well, computation. For all things calculation, machines reign supreme. But Junaid identifies seven areas of intelligence where humans can retain a crucial edge. And in exploring these areas, he opens up a fascinating world where we can develop our uniquely human mathematical superpowers.

Reviews

'A compelling and wonderfully readable analysis of why computers won't replace mathematicians, but why the two together are superior to either on its own. A rallying-cry for real intelligence in the age of algorithms and artificial intelligence.' - Ian Stewart, author

'EXTRACT: At the same time that mathematics fuels today's technologies, it also provides the means of overcoming its prejudices ... Mathematical intelligence is concerned with the latter; it is a continual exercise in carefully defining and interrogating facts and employing the highest forms of reasoning to examine our arguments. A firm grounding in mathematics can liberate us from dogma and equip us with the intellectual tools to fight prejudice. It can nurture our most creative sensibilities and transform us from passive consumers of technologies to critical innovators.' - Mathematical Intelligence

Author Bio

Junaid is a mathematician turned educator. After a decade of working on innovative learning technologies, he now develops online maths initiatives for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Junaid has a DPhil in Mathematics from Oxford and a Master's in Education from Harvard, where he studied as a Kennedy Scholar. He once earned fleeting fame as a Countdown series winner.