851-0125-65L  A Sampler of Histories and Philosophies of Mathematics

SemesterAutumn Semester 2019
LecturersR. Wagner
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentParticularly suitable for students D-CHAB, D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MATH, D-PHYS


AbstractThis course will review several case studies from the ancient, medieval and modern history of mathematics. The case studies will be analyzed from various philosophical perspectives, while situating them in their historical and cultural contexts.
ObjectiveThe course aims are:
1. To introduce students to the historicity of mathematics
2. To make sense of mathematical practices that appear unreasonable from a contemporary point of view
3. To develop critical reflection concerning the nature of mathematical objects
4. To introduce various theoretical approaches to the philosophy and history of mathematics
5. To open the students' horizons to the plurality of mathematical cultures and practices