Posts Tagged: Mathematics


30
Oct 09

Some advice on Writing

Some advice on writing from mathematician Paul Halmos:

The basic problem in writing mathematics is the same as in writing biology, writing a novel, or writing directions for assembling a harpsichord: the problem is to communicate an idea. To do so, and to do it clearly, you must hâve something to say, and you must hâve someone to say it to, you must organize what you want to say, and you must arrange it in the order you want it said in, you must write it, rewrite it, and re-rewrite it several times, and you must be willing to think hard about and work hard on mechanical details such as diction, notation, and punctuation. That’ s all there is to it.

Riiight.


2
Nov 08

Blueprint for an Algorithmic Economics

Here’s a paper I’ve written showing why mathematical economics should be built around the mathematics of the digital computer, building on Prof K.V. Velupillai’s work in actually showing economists how to do this. Comments are most welcome.

Abstract: Algoritmic economics helps us stipulate, formulate, and resolve economic problems in a more precise manner than mainstream mathematical economics. It does so by aligning theorising about an economic problem with both the data generated by the real world and the computers used to manipulate that data. Theoretically coherent, numerically meaningful, and therefore policy relevant, answers to economic problems can be extrapolated more readily using algorithmic economics than present day mathematical economics. An algorithmic economics would allow mathematical economics to prove theorems relating to \emph{economic} problems, such as the existence of equilibria defined on some metric space, with embedded mechanisms for getting to the equilibria of these problems. A blueprint for such an economics is given and discussed with an example.

Right Click this link to download the paper.


9
Aug 08

Quit Math Camp now, econonerds. The bang is not worth the buck

price of market balance

Image via Wikipedia

A Vox Eu column shows remedial maths courses don’t have much impact on overall student ability, meaning students who aren’t good at this subject already don’t have a prayer of doing really well. I must say I hope these guys are wrong, because if they aren’t it means as student numbers increase and weaker students are allowed into college, the level of mathematical exposition (and hence progress to higher levels in economics education) will have to go down. From the article:

University-level economics makes extensive use of basic mathematics. As many economics professors can testify, this makes the subject difficult for less technically able students. Moreover, expanding participation in higher education (as has been targeted by the UK government) may further worsen the problem. The students who enter higher education due to the expansion are likely to be, on average, less technically able than current students, and thus it is likely that the number of students who struggle with their economics studies due to lack of basic math knowledge will increase over time.

Do remedial mathematics courses help economics students? | vox – Research-based policy analysis and commentary from leading economists