Snezana Lawrence - Böcker

To open a newspaper or turn on the television it would appear that science and religion are polar opposites - mutually exclusive bedfellows competing for hearts and minds. There is little indication of the rich interaction between religion and science throughout history, much of which continues today. From ancient to modern times, mathematicians have played a key role in this interaction. This is a book on the relationship between mathematics and religious beliefs. It aims to show that, throughout scientific history, mathematics has been used to make sense of the 'big' questions of life, and that religious beliefs sometimes drove mathematicians to mathematics to help them make sense of the world. Containing contributions from a wide array of scholars in the fields of philosophy, history of science and history of mathematics, this book shows that the intersection between mathematics and theism is rich in both culture and character. Chapters cover a fascinating range of topics including the Sect of the Pythagoreans, Newton's views on the apocalypse, Charles Dodgson's Anglican faith and Gödel's proof of the existence of God.

A lively, accessible history of mathematics throughout the ages and across the globe  Mathematics is fundamental to our daily lives. Science, computing, economics—all aspects of modern life rely on some kind of maths. But how did our ancestors think about numbers? How did they use mathematics to explain and understand the world around them? Where do numbers even come from?  In this Little History, Snezana Lawrence traces the fascinating history of mathematics, from the Egyptians and Babylonians to Renaissance masters and enigma codebreakers. Like literature, music, or philosophy, mathematics has a rich history of breakthroughs, creativity and experimentation. And its story is a global one. We see Chinese Mathematical Art from 200 BCE, the invention of algebra in Baghdad’s House of Wisdom, and sangaku geometrical theorems at Japanese shrines. Lawrence goes beyond the familiar names of Newton and Pascal, exploring the prominent role women have played in the history of maths, including Emmy Noether and Maryam Mirzakhani.

A lively, accessible history of mathematics throughout the ages and across the globe  Mathematics is fundamental to our daily lives. Science, computing, economics—all aspects of modern life rely on some kind of maths. But how did our ancestors think about numbers? How did they use mathematics to explain and understand the world around them? Where do numbers even come from?  In this Little History, Snezana Lawrence traces the fascinating history of mathematics, from the Egyptians and Babylonians to Renaissance masters and enigma codebreakers. Like literature, music, or philosophy, mathematics has a rich history of breakthroughs, creativity and experimentation. And its story is a global one. We see Chinese Mathematical Art from 200 BCE, the invention of algebra in Baghdad’s House of Wisdom, and sangaku geometrical theorems at Japanese shrines. Lawrence goes beyond the familiar names of Newton and Pascal, exploring the prominent role women have played in the history of maths, including Emmy Noether and Maryam Mirzakhani.

Longlisted for the BSHS Hughes Prize 2021A New Year’s Present from a Mathematician is an exciting book dedicated to two questions: What is it that mathematicians do? And who gets to be called a ‘mathematician’ and why? This book seeks to answer these questions through a series of stories ranging from the beginning of modern mathematics through to the 20th century, but not in a usual, chronological manner. The author weaves her story around major questions concerning nature of mathematics, and links mathematicians by the substance of their ideas and the historical and personal context in which they were developed.Ideal as a gift for anyone with an interest in mathematics, this book gives a powerful insight into mathematical concepts in an easy-to-read-and-digest manner, without trivializing their nature. The attention given to engaging examples, framed within a poetic narrative structure, means that this book can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of their level of mathematical education.

Longlisted for the BSHS Hughes Prize 2021A New Year’s Present from a Mathematician is an exciting book dedicated to two questions: What is it that mathematicians do? And who gets to be called a ‘mathematician’ and why? This book seeks to answer these questions through a series of stories ranging from the beginning of modern mathematics through to the 20th century, but not in a usual, chronological manner. The author weaves her story around major questions concerning nature of mathematics, and links mathematicians by the substance of their ideas and the historical and personal context in which they were developed.Ideal as a gift for anyone with an interest in mathematics, this book gives a powerful insight into mathematical concepts in an easy-to-read-and-digest manner, without trivializing their nature. The attention given to engaging examples, framed within a poetic narrative structure, means that this book can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of their level of mathematical education.

Mathematical Meditations identifies, explores, and celebrates those aspects of mathematics that are good for you and your overall wellbeing. It is necessary for everyone to have a little time to think every so often: to contemplate, meditate, and try to understand where you are and what is going on around you. Mathematics can help you with all of that.The Meditations in this book are the product of thousands of years of mathematical discourse. As you read through the book and work through the various exercises, you will discover new mechanisms that allow you to contemplate and understand some complex mathematical principles. However, the focus will always be wider than a mere dry comprehension of theory, as you will be encouraged to meditate upon the deeper intrinsic beauty of mathematics and what it can reveal to us about the world around us.FeaturesAn original, engaging narrative format replete with novel exercises and examplesCould be used in a classroom setting for liberal arts students, mathematics undergraduates, or high school teachersAccessible to anyone who wants to explore a different kind of perspective on mathematics

Mathematical Meditations identifies, explores, and celebrates those aspects of mathematics that are good for you and your overall wellbeing. It is necessary for everyone to have a little time to think every so often: to contemplate, meditate, and try to understand where you are and what is going on around you. Mathematics can help you with all of that.The Meditations in this book are the product of thousands of years of mathematical discourse. As you read through the book and work through the various exercises, you will discover new mechanisms that allow you to contemplate and understand some complex mathematical principles. However, the focus will always be wider than a mere dry comprehension of theory, as you will be encouraged to meditate upon the deeper intrinsic beauty of mathematics and what it can reveal to us about the world around us.FeaturesAn original, engaging narrative format replete with novel exercises and examplesCould be used in a classroom setting for liberal arts students, mathematics undergraduates, or high school teachersAccessible to anyone who wants to explore a different kind of perspective on mathematics

This edited volume examines how historical mathematical experiments can enrich mathematics education for children aged 9 to 12. It presents nine chapters across three domains: numbers and calculation, magnitude and measurement, and space and geometry. Each chapter follows a consistent structure, beginning with historical context and followed by classroom activities conducted in French schools. Analyses include pupils’ work and didactic insights into how history of mathematics supports conceptual understanding. The book offers bibliographies for further reading and is ideal for mathematics educators, teacher trainers, researchers in mathematics education, historians of mathematics, and mathematicians interested in educational practice.