Displaying similar documents to “Some thoughts on the history of mathematics”

The Impact of Modern Mathematics on Ancient Mathematics

Wilbur R. Knorr (2001)

Revue d'histoire des mathématiques

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In a hitherto unpublished lecture, delivered in Atlanta, 1975, W.R. Knorr reflects on historical method, its sensitivity to modern work, both in mathematics and in the philosophy of mathematics. Three examples taken from the work of Tannery, Hasse, Scholz and Becker and concerning the study of pre-euclidean geometry are discussed: the mis-described discovery of irrational ‘numbers’, the alleged foundations crisis in the 5th century B.C. and the problem of constructibility.

Mathematics and Morality on the Cusp of Modernity

Peter Dear (2001)

Revue d'histoire des mathématiques

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This note suggests that a fruitful way of investigating the history of mathematics lies in consideration of its pedagogical purposes. As a general illustration of the directions that such an approach might take, the paper discusses early-modern arguments for the practical utility of mathematics and its capacity to inculcate good habits of thought, as well as the appearance of new uses for mathematical training in the later eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries that served the purpose...

Positive Thinking. Conceptions of Negative Quantities in the Netherlands and the Reception of Lacroix’s Algebra Textbook

Danny J. Beckers (2000)

Revue d'histoire des mathématiques

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The beginning of the 19th century witnessed the emergence of several new approaches to negative numbers. New notions of rigour made the 18th century conceptions of negative quantities unacceptable. This paper discusses theories of negative numbers emerging in the Netherlands in the early 19th century. Dutch mathematicians then opted for a different approach than that of their contemporaries, in Germany or France. The Dutch translation (1821) of Lacroix’s illustrates the ‘Dutch’ notion...