Geometrical Landscapes The Voyages of Discovery and the Transformation of Mathematical Practice |
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| Author:
| Alexander, Amir R. |
| Series title: | Writing Science Ser. |
| ISBN: | 978-0-8047-3260-4 |
| Publication Date: | Jul 2002 |
| Publisher: | Stanford University Press
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| Book Format: | Hardback |
| List Price: | USD $80.00 |
Book Description:
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This challenging book argues that a new way of speaking of mathematics and describing it emerged at the end of the 16th century. Leading mathematicians began referring to their field in terms drawn from the exploration accounts of Columbus and Magellan. Many of those who promoted the vision of mathematics as heroic exploration also played central roles in developing the most important mathematical innovation of the period--the infinitesimal methods, which the author shows was no coincidence.
This challenging book argues that a new way of speaking of mathematics and describing it emerged at the end of the 16th century. Leading mathematicians began referring to their field in terms drawn from the exploration accounts of Columbus and Magellan. Many of those who promoted the vision of mathematics as heroic exploration also played central roles in developing the most important mathematical innovation of the period--the infinitesimal methods, which the author shows was no coincidence.