Recommend a Rigorous Calculus Book

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on recommendations for a rigorous calculus text suitable for someone with a mathematics background seeking to engage with philosophy and literature. Key suggestions include "Baby Rudin" (also known as "Principles of Mathematical Analysis" by Walter Rudin), which is praised for its rigor and problem-solving depth. The text is considered sufficient for calculus needs, with the caveat that it may not be the easiest learning tool. Other texts mentioned include "Folland - Real Analysis," which is deemed too abstract for calculus purposes, and Bourbaki, which is criticized for not achieving its goals in mathematical rigor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of undergraduate-level mathematics
  • Familiarity with real analysis concepts
  • Knowledge of problem-solving techniques in calculus
  • Basic comprehension of measure theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Principles of Mathematical Analysis" by Walter Rudin
  • Explore "Real Analysis" by Gerald B. Folland
  • Investigate Bourbaki's approach to calculus and its limitations
  • Review measure theory fundamentals to enhance understanding of analysis
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in a rigorous approach to calculus that intersects with philosophical and literary analysis.

Sorgen
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I have an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from a Big 10 university. Right now I am looking for a Calculus text that would aid me in approaching philosophy and literature text.

Mostly what I'm looking for is a combination of Rigor (strictness in definitions and such) and problems that force you to examine them thoroughly from every angle.

Thanks!
 
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Sorgen said:
I have an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from a Big 10 university. Right now I am looking for a Calculus text that would aid me in approaching philosophy and literature text.

Mostly what I'm looking for is a combination of Rigor (strictness in definitions and such) and problems that force you to examine them thoroughly from every angle.

Thanks!
Calculus and rigor do not belong together. Baby Rudin should suffice for all your calculus needs. It has problems that require a deal of ingenuity that even Rudin admits in the preface. I think that qualifies for your examining thoroughly from every angle. I will tell you this, if you understand everything from baby Rudin, and do all the exercises you will probably not need a calculus text. I do not think there is anything of merit in a calculus book that is not in baby rudin. In my opinion, Rudin is the perfect literature, but perhaps not the easiest learning tool. If you want an actual real analysis text though, baby rudin is too easy and won't give you what you want. This text is a classic in the mathematical literature, and will make you appreciate conciseness. I personally prefer it over verty's suggestion of Bourbaki. I'm not sure what Bourbaki text you are recommending, since Bourbaki failed to even reach it's goal of proving Stoke's Theorem. I think the suggestion of Real Analysis by Folland is too abstracted away from calculus to be suggested. This all depends on what you want the text for. Do you want an actual real analysis book? Or do you want a book that holds your hand? Any calculus text is just a dumbed down version of parts of analysis. So, I would not recommend any calculus text if you actually want rigor. Here's what we need to know: what is your mathematical background? I know you said you have a mathematical degree in math, so you must have learned some analysis (I assume). Have you had any courses in real analysis? Have you learned measure theory? etc...
 
What does "calculus approaching a philosophy and literature text" mean exactly? I hoped it meant "laying out the facts in a very coherent and justified way". But it is very confusing.
 

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