Mathematical ignorance and its consequences

Inability to handle large numbers and probabilities leads people to many unreasonable decisions - both at the global and household level. Due to mathematical ignorance, they allow the media to manipulate the media, trust all kinds of pseudones and scare events that do not deserve much attention. Why even smart and educated people often do not at all understand mathematics and what is the price of such ignorance are questions that deeply excite the author of this book.

John Allen Paulos considers very different aspects of our lives from the mathematical angle: presidential elections and statistics, fraud with securities and medical charlatanism, insurance and casinos, lotteries and clinical tests - does not abuse complicated calculations and will not skimp On funny stories, vividly illustrating discussions about numbers and probabilities.

The book helps readers to realize their mistakes and teaches you to avoid traps, which easily get an uncritical mind. It is addressed to everyone who appreciates common sense and strives for a rational view of the world.

The book is coming out with the review of Alexei Savvateev (Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, a popularizer of mathematics among children and adults) and Mikhail Bochkarev (teacher of mathematics)