Recommend a Rigorous Calculus Book

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding a calculus text that combines rigor with challenging problems, suitable for someone with a mathematics background looking to engage with philosophy and literature. Suggestions include "Baby Rudin," which is praised for its rigor and problem-solving requirements, although it's noted that it may not be the easiest learning tool. There is skepticism about the value of traditional calculus texts, as they are seen as simplified versions of analysis. The conversation also touches on the appropriateness of texts like Folland's "Real Analysis," which some argue is too abstract for the intended purpose. The importance of clarifying the user's mathematical background and specific goals for studying calculus in relation to philosophy and literature is emphasized, as this context is crucial for recommending the right resources.
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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