The Night Is Large by Martin Gardner
- 1. The Night Is Large is a captivating collection of essays and mathematical puzzles by the renowned author and popularizer of mathematics, Martin Gardner. Within this anthology, Gardner elegantly weaves together the intricacies of mathematical concepts with engaging narratives that explore the wonders of logic, philosophy, and human curiosity. Each essay not only presents challenging mathematical ideas but also delves into the historical context and cultural significance of these concepts, making them accessible and intriguing to a broad audience. Gardner's unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity and humor makes this book a delightful read for both mathematics enthusiasts and casual readers alike. From discussions about the nature of infinity to explorations of paradoxes and the enigmatic world of mathematical games, The Night Is Large invites readers to ponder the beauty and depth of mathematics while championing lifelong learning and appreciation for intellectual pursuits.
Martin Gardner is best known for his long-running column in which publication?
A) The New Yorker
B) National Geographic
C) Time Magazine
D) Scientific American
- 2. What does Gardner argue is the fundamental mystery that science cannot explain?
A) Evolution
B) Gravity
C) Consciousness
D) Quantum mechanics
- 3. Gardner describes himself as what kind of theist in this book?
A) Agnostic
B) Philosophical theist
C) Fundamentalist
D) Atheist
- 4. What literary device does Gardner frequently use to illustrate philosophical points?
A) Allegories
B) Paradoxes
C) Sonnet form
D) Stream of consciousness
- 5. Gardner argues that the universe appears to be finely tuned for what?
A) Expansion
B) Entropy
C) Life
D) Dark matter
- 6. What does Gardner suggest is the proper relationship between science and religion?
A) Total conflict
B) Religion subordinate to science
C) Complete integration
D) Separate magisteria
- 7. Which mathematician's incompleteness theorems does Gardner reference?
A) Alan Turing
B) Kurt Gödel
C) John von Neumann
D) Bertrand Russell
- 8. What does Gardner identify as the central mystery of existence?
A) Why there is something rather than nothing
B) The meaning of life
C) The nature of time
D) The origin of the universe
- 9. Gardner argues that mathematics exists in what kind of realm?
A) Platonic realm
B) Social construct
C) Physical realm
D) Mental realm
- 10. What aspect of human experience does Gardner consider irreducible to physical explanation?
A) Perception
B) Qualia
C) Learning
D) Memory
- 11. What literary quality characterizes Gardner's writing style in this book?
A) Dense technical jargon
B) Poetic obscurity
C) Clarity and accessibility
D) Academic formalism
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