Mathematics In History, Culture, Philosophy And Science: From Ancient Times To Modern Age

Despite the great achievements of mathematics, educated elite almost universally reject it as distasteful. They continue to remain frightened by its dry skeleton shown to them in their childhood. The mathematical curricula completely ignore its socio-cultural impacts on the society. The present book attempts to project the living structure of mathematics. It aims to cover its technical bones with philosophical blood, cultural flesh, and scientific skin in order to make them attractive. Different mathematical concepts are, thus, shown to emerge as by-products of socio-cultural developments. They in turn shape long way in removing the prevailing fear complex generated by the hazy and usually wrong perceptions of actual mathematical realises. Different mathematical ideas have been traced to their mathematical roots in philosophical, sociological, linguistic, cultural, and scientific perspectives. Wide gaps between the concepts incorporated in mathematical curricula have been attempted to be filled in by cultural linages between the ideas in question. Significant developments in cosmology, astronomy, pure physics, space travel and astrophysics have been surveyed as connecting tissues of living and evolving mathematics. The impact of mathematical studies in generating rational outlook, scientific temper, and discerning insight as essential ingredients of a developing society tearing down the superstitious shackles has also been discussed in relevant settings. The book thus, presents a popular and pleasant view of mathematical attainments as pure creations of mind including social progress. The language of the book is mostly non-technical and simple. Conscious efforts have been made to keep it within the grasp of average students and general reading public interested in popular expositions of mathematico-scientific concepts and their impacts on human thinking and behaviour.