Samenvatting
In this paper we want to deal with the question of whether or not the discussion about the application of the ideas of Thomas Kuhn's 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions' to the growth of mathematics (Kuhn 1962, 1969) is a fruitful undertaking. A central topic in this discussion is whether revolutions occur in mathematics or not. Paradigm examples of contributions in this discussion are Crowe (1975), Dauben (1984, 1992) and Dunmore (1992). Whatever one's position in the debate, one must note that any judgment on Crowe's tenth 'law': 'Revolutions never occur in mathematics', critically depends on the meaning of the concepts of revolution and of mathematics.
In this paper, we do not seek to resolve this all too complex problem. Rather we seek to use the work of Crowe as a frame of reference to study mathematical practices. In addition, we will argue that the most profitable framework to discuss these matters is, in line with Netz's (2003) concept of cognitive history, a cognitive history of mathematics. It affords the opportunity to study the practices of mathematics through its socio-cultural context, and, in this way, to put mathematics in a historical context.
In this paper, we do not seek to resolve this all too complex problem. Rather we seek to use the work of Crowe as a frame of reference to study mathematical practices. In addition, we will argue that the most profitable framework to discuss these matters is, in line with Netz's (2003) concept of cognitive history, a cognitive history of mathematics. It affords the opportunity to study the practices of mathematics through its socio-cultural context, and, in this way, to put mathematics in a historical context.
Originele taal-2 | English |
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Titel | Unknown |
Uitgeverij | Proceediings of PhiMSAMP-3, IS MATHEMATICS SPECIAL? Philosophy of Mathematics. Sociological Aspects and Mathematical Practice. Vienna. |
Status | Published - 2008 |
Evenement | Unknown - Stockholm, Sweden Duur: 21 sep 2009 → 25 sep 2009 |
Conference
Conference | Unknown |
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Land/Regio | Sweden |
Stad | Stockholm |
Periode | 21/09/09 → 25/09/09 |