• Journal for History of Mathematics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.113-130
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• 2009

It can be said that the teaching and learning of mathematical problem solving has been greatly influenced by G. Polya. His heuristics shows down the explicit process of mathematical problem solving in detail. In contrast, Polanyi highlights the implicit dimension of the process. Polanyi's theory can play complementary role with Polya's theory. This study outlined the epistemology of Polanyi and his theory of problem solving. Regarding the knowledge and knowing as a work of the whole mind, Polanyi emphasizes devotion and absorption to the problem at work together with the intelligence and feeling. And the role of teachers are essential in a sense that students can learn implicit knowledge from them. However, our high school students do not seem to take enough time and effort to the problem solving. Nor do they request school teachers' help. According to Polanyi, this attitude can cause a serious problem in teaching and learning of mathematical problem solving.