Defending Hypatia

Defending Hypatia PDF Author: Robert Goulding
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9048135427
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description
Why should mathematics, the purest of sciences, have a history? Medieval mathematicians took little interest in the history of their discipline. Yet in the Renaissance the history of mathematics flourished. This book explores how Renaissance scholars recovered and reconstructed the origins of mathematics by tracing its invention in prehistoric Antiquity, its development by the Greeks, and its transmission to modern Europe via the works of Euclid, Theon and Proclus. The principal architects of this story -- the French philosopher and University of Paris reformer Peter Ramus, and his critic, the young Oxford astronomy lecturer Henry Savile – worked out diametrically opposed models for the development of the mathematical arts, models of historical progress and decline which mirrored each scholar’s larger convictions about the nature of mathematical thinking, the purpose of the modern university, and the potential of the human mind. In their hands, the obscure story of mathematical history became a site of contention over some of the most pressing philosophical and pedagogical debates of the sixteenth century.

Defending Hypatia

Defending Hypatia PDF Author: Robert Goulding
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9048135427
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 216

Get Book Here

Book Description
Why should mathematics, the purest of sciences, have a history? Medieval mathematicians took little interest in the history of their discipline. Yet in the Renaissance the history of mathematics flourished. This book explores how Renaissance scholars recovered and reconstructed the origins of mathematics by tracing its invention in prehistoric Antiquity, its development by the Greeks, and its transmission to modern Europe via the works of Euclid, Theon and Proclus. The principal architects of this story -- the French philosopher and University of Paris reformer Peter Ramus, and his critic, the young Oxford astronomy lecturer Henry Savile – worked out diametrically opposed models for the development of the mathematical arts, models of historical progress and decline which mirrored each scholar’s larger convictions about the nature of mathematical thinking, the purpose of the modern university, and the potential of the human mind. In their hands, the obscure story of mathematical history became a site of contention over some of the most pressing philosophical and pedagogical debates of the sixteenth century.

Ramism and the Reformation of Method

Ramism and the Reformation of Method PDF Author: Simon J. G. Burton
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0197516351
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 441

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Book Description
Ramism and the Reformation of Method explores the popular early modern movement of Ramism and its ambitious attempt to transform Church and society. It considers the relation of Ramism to Reformed Christianity and its development as a divine logic attuned to understanding both Scripture and the world. In doing so, it reveals how Ramists rejected the notion of a philosophy or worldview independent of God and sought to encompass everything under an overarching Christian philosophy indebted to Franciscan ideals. The supreme goal of the Ramists was the remaking of the world in the image of the Triune God.

Hypatia's Feud

Hypatia's Feud PDF Author: Nicholas Fourikis
Publisher: Outskirts Press
ISBN: 1432766252
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 227

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Book Description
Hypatia lived and died as humanist among religious zealots 1 – E-book details Hypatia's Feud by Nicholas Fourikis (Mar 28, 2011) · $6.48 Kindle Purchase · Auto-delivered wirelessly · $17.96 Paperback 2 – Book description Publication Date: March 28, 2011 Hypatia lived and died as a humanist among religious zealots Hypatia of Alexandria researches the heavens and explores the everlasting questions of our existence when the Church preaches there is no need to probe into the nature of things. She imparts new knowledge to the world when the churchmen counsel women to seek knowledge from their husbands. She tutors Jews, Christians, and Pagans while men of different religions wage wars. Her feud with the Church reaches a climax during a debate with the Patriarch of Alexandria, who believes the Pagan scrolls of the Royal Alexandrian Library prevent the populace from accepting Christianity. “If we torch the Pagan scrolls of the library,” the patriarch proclaims during the debate, “we would uproot the weeds of confusion in God’s New Jerusalem.” “In the Elysian Fields,” Hypatia retorts, “myriad flowers bloom and Truth, like the flowers, is registered in the scrolls of the library. If the half a million nonChristian scrolls are torched, mankind, without a memory, will descend into darkness.” Hypatia’s feud at the dawn of the fifth century CE is our feud too, because her foes under different names are ever-present. Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars An important and timely book April 26, 2011 By Sydney librarian Format:Paperback Hypatia is held in high esteem by librarians for her efforts to try and save the ancient scrolls in the library of Alenadria. But that is only part of the story. In this new book, the story of her feud with Cyril, the Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and of her death, is told through the eyes of Aristos, a young Alexandrian. We are transported back to ancient Alexandria with all its cosmopolitan bustle, to hear the debates and arguments and to watch the tragedy unfold. This is an important and timely book and highly recommended to all librarians and those who value questions over dogma. 5.0 out of 5 stars Hypatia April 16, 2011 By diane Format:Kindle Edition Hypatia comes alive under the penmanship of great writer. The story of Hypatia's remarkable life, and excruciatingly dreadful death, is told through the eyes of young Greek student and philosopher, Aristos, as he learns the value of historic records and the tragedy of their loss to humanity. Author, Dr Nicholas Fourikis, blends history with Aristos's romance as he weaves Hypatia's story through the experiences of Aristos and his fellow students during times of gigantic human struggles in Greece. Aristos comes to realise, `... the tides of history determine the course of lives.' And, `... history shapes the mind of men'. While more than half a million valuable scrolls are destroyed together with the life and work of one of the world's greatest woman writers, mathematician, philosopher and historian in the fight between ideology, belief systems and power. This book spoon-feeds the reader with an understanding of history while explaining in simple, but lyrical terms, how ideological and religious beliefs bring inevitable conflict as mankind struggles for understanding. Precious books bring history alive in a way that affects the future - and this book is in that category. A philosophical book which expounds the philosophy of philosophers 5.0 out of 5 stars closer to Hypatia April 22, 2011 By Saibei Zhao Format:Kindle Edition From a student's eye, Dr Fourikis is tall, and handsome. His invited talk about the application of millimeter waves was fun, easy to understand, and full of humors. This was in Pasadena, California, 1992, the first time we met. It was a spectroscopy conference, and he was giving the talk. It was impressive how advanced his research was. From then, we keep in touch for years, and we discuss so many things. I was surprised when he told me that he wanted to write story about immigrants. As being scientists, we try to make laws and methods as simple as possible, while novelists are trying to make things as complicate as possible. We try to compress 10 sentences to 1 sentence if we can, while the novelists are trying to stretch 1 sentence to 10 sentences if they can. I thought scientists and novelists have different brain structure. But it proved that for some people, they can do both. First, Dr Fourikis brought “Hollywood, Amarroo” to us. It was about social justice to Australian Aborigines. Then away from Australia, he is coming back with “Hypatia's feud”. “Hypatia's feud” is well written and fun to read. Dr Fourikis brings her so close, so vivid to us. Hypatia was the first notable woman mathematician, astronomer, and geographer. Why do we say so? We know gold is heavier than silver; sea water is heavier than fresh water for the same volume. It is easy to judge for the solid material, harder for the liquid. Hypatia invented hydrometer which allows people to measure density of liquid with respect to water. While it has been problem for people to locate themselves in ocean, Hypatia invented the chart of celestial bodies. She edited Euclid's Elements and Ptolemy's Almagest; she made commentary for other books. Keep this in mind, one has to know as much as the writers before she/he could write the commentary/editing. Then, what is the purpose to bring her back? First, it is curiosity. Today, in every physics lab, chemistry lab, when one uses a hydrometer, one may ask, who invented this? Who was Hypatia? What she has done? Why she was murdered? Could this be prevented? Secondly, learning from history, we understand any achievement we made today has a history. As Newton once said: I am standing on the giants' shoulder. Third, education is the key. Read the book and one will find all. Dr Fourikis quote Elie Wiesel, recipient of 1986 Nobel Prize for Peace in his book “Hollywood, Amarroo”, here it is: The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference. Wish Dr Fourikis bring us more of his works. Biography Nicholas Fourikis, MSc PhD Nicholas was the recipient of a classical Greek education in Cairo, and spent school holidays either in Alexandria, the birthplace of Hypatia or in Greece. After the family migrated to Australia he pursued undergraduate studies at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and postgraduate studies at Macquarie and New South Wales universities. During a distinguished career in Radio Astronomy he spent a year at the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory, discovered five interstellar molecules in collaboration with Australian, American and Japanese spectroscopists and authored two university textbooks on Radio Astronomy and advanced Radars. A complete list of his research papers, theses, and books is in his website: www.nicholasfourikis.com The life and times of Hypatia, a fellow astronomer and scientist, fascinated Nicholas over a long time. More importantly Hypatia of Alexandria was the conduit of the ancient Greek wisdom to the modern world, the quintessential philosopher-hero who championed Humanism and demonstrated that women could make significant contributions in Astronomy, Philosophy and Mathematics. Hypatia's feud with religious zealots at the dawn of the 5th century CE is our feud too because her foes under different names are ever present. In his other literary novel, "Hollywood Amarroo - Two lovers shine in Australia's Deep North," he chronicled the lives of two young lovers who ignored the prejudices of the sixties to defend an Aboriginal mother accused of manslaughter. Amarroo a prosperous town in the heart of Queensland borders a reserve the locals euphemistically call Hollywood where two hundred Aborigines live in lamentable poverty. While the story Nicholas chronicled took place during the sixties the Aborigines still live in lamentable poverty to this day.

Encounters with Euclid

Encounters with Euclid PDF Author: Benjamin Wardhaugh
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691235767
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 416

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Book Description
A sweeping cultural history of one of the most influential mathematical books ever written Euclid's Elements of Geometry is one of the fountainheads of mathematics—and of culture. Written around 300 BCE, it has traveled widely across the centuries, generating countless new ideas and inspiring such figures as Isaac Newton, Bertrand Russell, Abraham Lincoln, and Albert Einstein. Encounters with Euclid tells the story of this incomparable mathematical masterpiece, taking readers from its origins in the ancient world to its continuing influence today. In this lively and informative book, Benjamin Wardhaugh explains how Euclid’s text journeyed from antiquity to the Renaissance, introducing some of the many readers, copyists, and editors who left their mark on the Elements before handing it on. He shows how some read the book as a work of philosophy, while others viewed it as a practical guide to life. He examines the many different contexts in which Euclid's book and his geometry were put to use, from the Neoplatonic school at Athens and the artisans' studios of medieval Baghdad to the Jesuit mission in China and the workshops of Restoration London. Wardhaugh shows how the Elements inspired ideas in theology, art, and music, and how the book has acquired new relevance to the strange geometries of dark matter and curved space. Encounters with Euclid traces the life and afterlives of one of the most remarkable works of mathematics ever written, revealing its lasting role in the timeless search for order and reason in an unruly world.

The Best Writing on Mathematics 2011

The Best Writing on Mathematics 2011 PDF Author: Mircea Pitici
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691153159
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 415

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Book Description
The year's finest writing on mathematics from around the world This anthology brings together the year's finest mathematics writing from around the world. Featuring promising new voices alongside some of the foremost names in the field, The Best Writing on Mathematics 2011 makes available to a wide audience many articles not easily found anywhere else—and you don't need to be a mathematician to enjoy them. These writings offer surprising insights into the nature, meaning, and practice of mathematics today. They delve into the history, philosophy, teaching, and everyday occurrences of math, and take readers behind the scenes of today's hottest mathematical debates. Here Ian Hacking discusses the salient features that distinguish mathematics from other disciplines of the mind; Doris Schattschneider identifies some of the mathematical inspirations of M. C. Escher's art; Jordan Ellenberg describes compressed sensing, a mathematical field that is reshaping the way people use large sets of data; Erica Klarreich reports on the use of algorithms in the job market for doctors; and much, much more. In addition to presenting the year's most memorable writings on mathematics, this must-have anthology includes a foreword by esteemed physicist and mathematician Freeman Dyson. This book belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in where math has taken us—and where it is headed.

Mathematical Book Histories

Mathematical Book Histories PDF Author: Philip Beeley
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3031326105
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 601

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Book Description


Early Modern Disputations and Dissertations in an Interdisciplinary and European Context

Early Modern Disputations and Dissertations in an Interdisciplinary and European Context PDF Author: Meelis Friedenthal
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9004436200
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 934

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Book Description
This volume offers a wide-ranging overview of the 16th-18th century disputation culture in various European regions. Its focus is on printed disputations as a polyvalent media form which brings together many of the elements that contributed to the cultural and scientific changes during the early modern period.

Mathematics and Late Elizabethan Drama

Mathematics and Late Elizabethan Drama PDF Author: Joseph Jarrett
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030265668
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 248

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Book Description
This book considers the influence that sixteenth-century and early seventeenth-century mathematical thinking exerted on the writing and production of popular drama between about 1587 and 1603. It concentrates upon six plays by five early modern dramatists: Tamburlaine, Part 1 (1587) and Tamburlaine, Part 2 (1587) by Christopher Marlowe; Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay (1589) by Robert Greene; Old Fortunatus (1599) by Thomas Dekker; Hamlet (1600) by William Shakespeare; and The Tragedy of Hoffman (1603) by Henry Chettle. Each chapter analyses how the terms, concepts, and implications of contemporary mathematics impacted upon these plays’ vocabularies, forms, and aesthetic and dramaturgical effects and affects.

The Structures of Practical Knowledge

The Structures of Practical Knowledge PDF Author: Matteo Valleriani
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319456717
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 493

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Book Description
The Structures of Practical Knowledge investigates the nature of practical knowledge – why, how, when and by whom it is codified, and once codified, how this knowledge is structured. The inquiry unfolds in a series of fifteen case studies, which range in focus from early modern Italy to eighteenth century China. At the heart of each study is a shared definition of practical knowledge, that is, knowledge needed to obtain a certain outcome, whether that be an artistic or mechanical artifact, a healing practice, or a mathematical result. While the content of practical knowledge is widely variable, this study shows that all practical knowledge is formally equivalent in following a defined workflow, as reflected in a construction procedure, a recipe, or an algorithm. As explored in the volume’s fifteen contributions, there are three levels at which structures of practical knowledge may be understood and examined. At the most immediate level, there are the individual workflows that encompasses practical knowledge itself. Probing further, it is possible to examine the structure of practical knowledge as it is externalized and codified in texts, drawings, and artifacts such as models. Finally, practical knowledge is also related to social structures, which fundamentally determine its dissemination and evolution into new knowledge structures. The social structures of professionals and institutions represent the critical means by which practical knowledge takes form. These actors are the agents of codification, and by means of selection, appropriation, investment, and knowledge development, they determine the formation of new structures of practical knowledge. On a more abstract level, the creation of new knowledge structures is understood as constituting the basis for the further development of scientific knowledge. Rich in subject matter and incisive in the theory it lays out, this volume represents an important contribution to the history of science and epistemology. Individually, the fifteen case studies – encompassing the history of architecture, mining, brewing, glass production, printing, ballistics, mechanics, cartography, cosmology and astronomy – are replete with original research, and offer new insights into the history of science. Taken together, the contributions remodel historical epistemology as a whole, elucidating the underlining knowledge structures that transcend disciplinary boundaries, and that unite practitioners across time and space.

The Rational Shakespeare

The Rational Shakespeare PDF Author: Michael Wainwright
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319952587
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 328

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Book Description
The Rational Shakespeare: Peter Ramus, Edward de Vere, and the Question of Authorship examines William Shakespeare’s rationality from a Ramist perspective, linking that examination to the leading intellectuals of late humanism, and extending those links to the life of Edward de Vere, Seventeenth Earl of Oxford. The application to Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets of a game-theoretic hermeneutic, an interpretive approach that Ramism suggests but ultimately evades, strengthens these connections in further supporting the Oxfordian answer to the question of Shakespearean authorship.