MS#127. The Misuse of Math, 2008
For MATHKNOW: Mathematics, Applied Science and Real Life,
Michele Emmer and Alfio Quarteroni, (Eds).
Springer-Verlag Italia, Milano, 2009; pp. 1-8.
Subjects: Complex dynamical modeling, Misuse of mathematics
Written: May 22, 2008
Abstract: The computer revolution has begat new branches of mathematics, --- eg, chaos theory and fractal geometry --- and their offspring --- agent based modeling and complex dynamical systems. These new methods have extended and changed our understanding of the complex systems in which we live. But math models and computer simulations are frequently misunderstood, or intentionally misrepresented, with disastrous results. In this essay we analyze one case in question: global climate change.
[PDF] 8 pages, 2.5 MB