Mathematics and Physics

Until recently there had been a strong, mutually binding relationship between mathematics and physics. The start of the 20th century, however, saw each field develop its own language, tools, and models of reality - the physicist endeavoring to explore the relationship between thought and reality, the mathematician between thought and formula. A result of this dichotomy was the development of differing methods of problem solving. Mathematics and Physics, by a prominent Soviet mathematician, attemps to reunify the often disparate thought processes of these sciences. Beginning with a discussion of terms, the author explores the subjective world of physical phenomena and its objective presentation in mathematics. The role of the observer, the observed, and even the unobservable is examined. Further, the physical and mathematical cpncepts of actions, symmetry and space-time are discussed on an abstract level where their common features can be appreciated. Mathematics and Physics will be useful and enjoyable reading for all mathematicians, theoretical physicists, and students.