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History of Mathematics from Antiquity to 17th Century : Magnitudes, Numbers and Equations
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:41
Abstract
Far from being fixed and timeless notions, magnitudes, numbers and equations are three objects that were conceived by mathematicians in a -sometimes radically- different way and that were influenced by their historical context. The course analyses the evolution of these objects from the Greek Antiquity to the European 17th century, via the Arabic and Latin Middle Age and the Italian Renaissance.
Objective
The course aims are: - to introduce students to the historical dimension of mathematics; - to develop a critical understanding of mathematical notions; - to have a general idea of the history of mathematics until 17th century; - to acquire skills in order to read and comment mathematical texts written in the past ages and in different cultures.
Content
After a methodological introduction to the history of mathematics, several extracts written by some of the most known mathematicians (Euclide, Archimedes, al-Khwarizmi, al-Khayyam, al-Karaji, Fibonacci, Cardano, Stifel, Descartes, Leibniz, Newton) are read and commented in class. The aim is to understand what magnitudes, numbers and equations are for these authors. Beside this exegetical work on mathematical texts, students are also led to consider: - the cultural and sociological consequences of the invention of the printed book; - the history of the classification of mathematical sciences; - the history of the scientific institutions.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
History of Mathematics from Antiquity to 17th Century : Magnitudes, Numbers and Equations
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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GESS Science in Perspective (Only the topics listed in this paragraph can be chosen as GESS Science in Perspective. Further below you will find the "type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. 6 ECTS need to be acquired during the BA and 2 ECTS during the MA Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (Suitable for all students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses: Recommended for doctoral, master and bachelor students (after first-year examination only). Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again. These course units are also listed under "Type A", which basically means all students can enroll)
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Doctoral Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )