Blog

Essays on mathematics, statistics, computer science, and philosophy

• Book review: Dynamical Biostatistical Models by Commenges and Jacqmin-Gadda

  December 29, 2020

  Despite their natural affinity, the statistical and mechanistic traditions of scientific modeling are often poorly integrated. I review a textbook on biostatistics that takes dynamical and mechanistic models seriously. Read more

• Classic style and mathematical writing

  September 5, 2019

  Classic style is an elegant mode of expression that values clarity and avoids self-consciousness. It shares an intriguing connection with the style of mathematical writing. Read more

• Book review: Representation and Invariance of Scientific Structures by Patrick Suppes

  January 9, 2019

  Sixty years ago, Patrick Suppes realized that the notion of a model of a logical theory, so essential to mathematical logic, applies equally well to models in science. I review his final book, on the use of formal models in science. Read more

• Elements of the scientific stance

  November 6, 2018

  Scientists, and science itself, have been variously accused of being reductionistic, formalistic, atheistic, and imperialistic. Although charges of scientism are occasionally merited, critiques of science often confuse the metaphysical principles of philosophy with the far milder methodological principles observed by scientists. I explain the difference, distinguishing several flavors of reductionism, naturalism, and other "-isms." Read more

• Book review: Indiscrete Thoughts by Gian-Carlo Rota

  August 14, 2018

  First published in 1997, Gian-Carlo Rota's Indiscrete Thoughts is now a minor classic on the culture of mathematics. It is witty and irreverent and difficult not to enjoy. It is also often thoughtful and insightful. Nonetheless, I think its more overtly philosophical parts are seriously flawed. I try to both summarize and critically review this distinctive book. Read more

• The role of abstraction in applied math

  July 10, 2018

  Why is mathematics so difficult to understand and communicate? Mathematicians and nonmathematicians alike often lay the blame on excessive abstraction. I argue instead that abstraction is essential to the mathematical process, even in applied mathematics, and that it need not be a barrier to comprehension by nonspecialists. Read more

• The R programming language: The good, the bad, and the ugly

  June 15, 2018

  The venerable programming language R has gained a new lease on life through the resurgence of data science. Based on my experience as a user, a package developer, and a creator of program analysis tools, I critically evaluate the R language and ecosystem—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Read more

• Why is academic writing so bad?

  June 1, 2018

  According to the stereotype, academic writing is at turns dry, jargony, esoteric, discursive, self-conscious, inward-looking, and—worst of all—just plain incomprehensible. The purpose of writing is to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, but academic writing achieves the opposite. In short, academic writing is bad. Every researcher knows there is some truth to this stereotype but also plenty of exceptions. So why is academic writing often so bad, and what distinguishes the good writing? Read more