E-Book, Englisch, 222 Seiten
Mathematics, History and Politics in the Work of Wu Wen-Tsun
E-Book, Englisch, 222 Seiten
Reihe: Needham Research Institute Series
ISBN: 978-1-134-46825-6
Verlag: CRC Press
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)
Reviving Ancient Chinese Mathematics is a study of the life of one of modern China’s most admired scientific figures, the mathematician Wu Wen-Tsun. Negotiating the conflict between progress and tradition, he found a path that not only ensured his political and personal survival, but which also brought him renown as a mathematician of international status who claimed that he stood outside the dominant western tradition of mathematics. Wu Wen-Tsun’s story highlights crucial developments and contradictions in twentieth -century China, the significance of which extends far beyond the field of mathematics. On one hand lies the appeal of radical scientific modernity, "mechanisation" in all its forms, and competitiveness within the international scientific community. On the other is an anxiety to preserve national traditions and make them part of the modernisation project. Moreover, Wu’s intellectual development also reflects the complex relationship between science and Maoist ideology, because his turn to history was powered by his internalisation of certain aspects of Maoist ideology, including its utilitarian philosophy of science.
This book traces how Wu managed to combine political success and international scientific eminence, a story that has wider implications for a new century of increasing Chinese activity in the sciences. As such, it will be of great interest to students and scholars of Chinese history, the history of science and the history and philosophy of mathematics.
Autoren/Hrsg.
Fachgebiete
- Sozialwissenschaften Ethnologie | Volkskunde Volkskunde
- Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Mathematik Allgemein Geschichte der Mathematik
- Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Geschichtliche Themen Mentalitäts- und Sozialgeschichte
- Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Weltgeschichte & Geschichte einzelner Länder und Gebietsräume Geschichte einzelner Länder Asiatische Geschichte
- Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Mathematik Allgemein Philosophie der Mathematik
Weitere Infos & Material
1. Introduction 2. The Making of a Prominent Chinese Mathematician 3. Mathematics and Chinese Socialist Construction 4. The Transformative Effect of the Cultural Revolution 5. Wu Wen-Tsun's Construction of Traditional Chinese Mathematics 6. Independence and Inspiration: Wu Wen-Tsun's Work Since 1977 7. Saving the Nation with Mathematics and its History