Description
The Cult of Pythagoras is also about invention in a positive sense. Most people view mathematical breakthroughs as “discoveries” rather than invention or creativity, believing that mathematics describes a realm of eternal ideas. But mathematicians have disagreed about what is possible and impossible, about what counts as a proof, and even about the results of certain operations. Was there ever invention in the history of concepts such as zero, negative numbers, imaginary numbers, quaternions, infinity, and infinitesimals?
Martínez inspects a wealth of primary sources, in several languages, over a span of many centuries. By exploring disagreements and ambiguities in the history of the elements of mathematics, The Cult of Pythagoras dispels myths that obscure the actual origins of mathematical concepts. Martínez argues that an accurate history that analyzes myths reveals neglected aspects of mathematics that can encourage creativity in students and mathematicians.
About the Author
Alberto A. Martinez is associate professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of Science Secrets: The Truth about Darwin's Finches, Einstein's Wife, and Other Myths; Kinematics: The Lost Origins of Einstein's Relativity; and
Book Information
ISBN 9780822962700
Author Alberto Martinez
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint University of Pittsburgh Press
Publisher University of Pittsburgh Press