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On the Origins of Mathematics

In: Freedom in Mathematics

Author

Listed:
  • Pierre Cartier

    (Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHÉS))

  • Jean Dhombres

    (Centre Koyré, EHESS)

  • Gerhard Heinzmann

    (University of Lorraine, Maison des sciences de l’Homme)

  • Cédric Villani

    (Institut Henri Poincaré (IHP))

Abstract

Sylvestre Huet: Why and how did man start doing mathematics, in particular based on the most elementary mathematical objects such as the point, the line, or the surface? Issues about the relationship between mathematical objects and reality arise from the onset: why and how does one do mathematics, and what is the relationship between mathematical objects and real objects or natural sciences? The informed general public is usually aware that the most basic mathematical notions, including numbers, were difficult constructions: think about the time taken to invent zero or positional number systems, concepts that we now learn as early as primary level... Yet, the invention of the concepts required bright minds, the brightest of the time. The relationship between mathematics and reality, which may seem obvious, is not so at all. Jean Dhombres could expand upon that, in order to begin the discussion by its historical aspect.

Suggested Citation

  • Pierre Cartier & Jean Dhombres & Gerhard Heinzmann & Cédric Villani, 2016. "On the Origins of Mathematics," Springer Books, in: Freedom in Mathematics, pages 1-7, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-81-322-2788-5_1
    DOI: 10.1007/978-81-322-2788-5_1
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