John Allen Paulos

John Allen Paulos (1945 - ) is a mathematician, author, and full professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Paulos is best known for his devotion to mathematics, addressing mathematical illiteracy, and using humor as a basis for mathematics.

Paulos grew up in Milwaukee and Chicago and received a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the acclaimed University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Part of Paulos' appeal is the entertainment value the author adds to his teachings, writings, work and lectures for academic and corporate institutions. Paulos is considered to be a relatively humorous presenter and a notorious showman. The professor's classes at Temple University are extremely popular and always full, regardless if the subject is part of the required undergraduate program or more advanced curriculum.

One of Paulos' most abhorred subjects is that of mathematical illiteracy and how it often goes unnoticed. A large number of people use math incorrectly, regardless...