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

SemesterSpring Semester 2017
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 history of mathematics (Greek geometry, early modern European notions of infinity and 20th century constructive and axiomatic approaches). The case studies will be analyzed from various philosophical perspectives, while rooting 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 realist, dialectical, practical and constructivist approaches to the philosophy and history of mathematics
5. To open the students' horizons to the plurality of mathematical cultures and practices