Infinitesimal: How a Dangerous Mathematical Theory Shaped the Modern World : How a Dangerous Mathematical Theory Shaped the Modern World

from TeaTimeCoder

Amazing history of the interplay of nascent science, entrenched theology and flailing politics of the age culminating in the birth of the modern world. Back when mathematics was truly controversial.

from nbmars

Infinitesimal is a quirky little book. Its basic thesis is that various responses to an arcane mathematical concept, infinitesimals, or the infinite amount of parts into which a line can be divided, somehow accounts for the political struggles of 16th century Italy and of 17th century Britain. To...

from kukulaj

Pre-Birth of The Calculus... does metaphysics matter? The outer brackets of this book might be from Luther's pinned-up Theses to the Glorious Revolution in the UK in 1688. The medieval world was stable, even stagnant. The modern world is fertile and chaotic. Alexander understands that metaphysics...

from MathMaverick

A fascinating book that illustrates the impact of politics and religion on mathematics. Very interesting how the rudiments of Calculus were believed by some long before Lenitz and Newton.

from kukulaj

Pre-Birth of The Calculus... does metaphysics matter? The outer brackets of this book might be from Luther's pinned-up Theses to the Glorious Revolution in the UK in 1688. The medieval world was stable, even stagnant. The modern world is fertile and chaotic. Alexander understands that metaphysics...